The advocacy of family caregivers in accompanying a close person in voluntary stopping of eating and drinking

Eppel-Meichlinger, J.; Stängle, S.; Mayer, H.; Fringer, A.

Publication type:	Conference other
Type of review:	No review
Title:	The advocacy of family caregivers in accompanying a close person in voluntary stopping of eating and drinking
Authors:	Eppel-Meichlinger, J. Stängle, S. Mayer, H. Fringer, A.
et. al:	No
Conference details:	16th International Family Nursing Conference (IFNC), Dublin, Ireland, 21-23 June 2023
Issue Date:	Jun-2023
Language:	English
Subject (DDC):	610.73: Nursing
Abstract:	Background and Purpose: Individuals with high levels of suffering in certain cases consciously decide to voluntarily stop eating and drinking (VSED) to end life prematurely. While the decision is self-determined, the person wishing to die inevitably relies on support from others throughout the process, where family caregivers might play a key role. As their perspective has not been systematically explored, the aim was to gain insight into their experiences in accompanying a close person during VSED. Methods: A holistic multiple case study was performed. We used narrative interviews with family caregivers (n=17). These were first analysed inductively within the individual cases using initial and axial coding. This was followed by cross-case analysis using selective coding to develop an overarching conceptual model about the experience of VSED. Results: The central phenomenon "advocating the person willing to die" involves family caregivers’ safeguarding of the last will and the wellbeing of a close person. The desire to "support their self-determination and dignity" was identified as the causal condition for their advocacy. “Being confronted with the physical deterioration in the VSED process” represents the context which makes it necessary to stand up for the close person. Taking on the role of an advocate is on the one hand necessary when "resistance against the implementation of VSED” is experienced. This includes fending off manipulation by others and the largely self-responsible daily care in the process of VSED. If, on the other hand, "the family pulls together" or “professional preparation and understanding support” are experienced, family caregivers advocate the person willing to die by enabling a good farewell situation. Conclusions and Implications: Health care professionals should be sensitive to the needs and concerns of family caregivers and prepare them accordingly for what to expect in the process of VSED, e.g. by offering spiritual support.
URI:	https://digitalcollection.zhaw.ch/handle/11475/28301
Fulltext version:	Published version
License (according to publishing contract):	Licence according to publishing contract
Departement:	School of Health Sciences
Organisational Unit:	Institute of Nursing (IPF)
Published as part of the ZHAW project:	Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking (VSED) in Switzerland from different points of view
Appears in collections:	Publikationen Gesundheit

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Eppel-Meichlinger, J., Stängle, S., Mayer, H., & Fringer, A. (2023, June). The advocacy of family caregivers in accompanying a close person in voluntary stopping of eating and drinking. 16th International Family Nursing Conference (IFNC), Dublin, Ireland, 21-23 June 2023.

Eppel-Meichlinger, J. et al. (2023) ‘The advocacy of family caregivers in accompanying a close person in voluntary stopping of eating and drinking’, in 16th International Family Nursing Conference (IFNC), Dublin, Ireland, 21-23 June 2023.

J. Eppel-Meichlinger, S. Stängle, H. Mayer, and A. Fringer, “The advocacy of family caregivers in accompanying a close person in voluntary stopping of eating and drinking,” in 16th International Family Nursing Conference (IFNC), Dublin, Ireland, 21-23 June 2023, Jun. 2023.

EPPEL-MEICHLINGER, J., S. STÄNGLE, H. MAYER und A. FRINGER, 2023. The advocacy of family caregivers in accompanying a close person in voluntary stopping of eating and drinking. In: 16th International Family Nursing Conference (IFNC), Dublin, Ireland, 21-23 June 2023. Conference presentation. Juni 2023

Eppel-Meichlinger, J., S. Stängle, H. Mayer, and A. Fringer. 2023. “The Advocacy of Family Caregivers in Accompanying a Close Person in Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking.” Conference presentation. In 16th International Family Nursing Conference (IFNC), Dublin, Ireland, 21-23 June 2023.

Eppel-Meichlinger, J., et al. “The Advocacy of Family Caregivers in Accompanying a Close Person in Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking.” 16th International Family Nursing Conference (IFNC), Dublin, Ireland, 21-23 June 2023, 2023.