Katie E Warne1, Steve Hoppes. 1. Acute Rehabilitation Services, St. John Medical Center, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study examines the challenges and rewards of a fieldwork student's first encounter with death in a clinical setting and describes occupational interventions that affirm the life of a client preparing for death. PURPOSE: To explore meanings, challenges, and lessons of end-of-life care for an occupational therapy fieldwork student. METHODS: A qualitative format, autoethnography, was used to develop a narrative that reveals the lived experience of a fieldwork student. FINDINGS. Findings include a description of what a fieldwork student was and was not able to accomplish in end-of-life care. The paper describes using self-care activities to normalize and cede control of end-of-life care to the client and developing a vision of how to help clients find closure. IMPLICATIONS: The study carries implications for students and therapists working in end-of-life care. Therapists and educators can draw from this study to better understand and support new therapists when patients die.
BACKGROUND: This study examines the challenges and rewards of a fieldwork student's first encounter with death in a clinical setting and describes occupational interventions that affirm the life of a client preparing for death. PURPOSE: To explore meanings, challenges, and lessons of end-of-life care for an occupational therapy fieldwork student. METHODS: A qualitative format, autoethnography, was used to develop a narrative that reveals the lived experience of a fieldwork student. FINDINGS. Findings include a description of what a fieldwork student was and was not able to accomplish in end-of-life care. The paper describes using self-care activities to normalize and cede control of end-of-life care to the client and developing a vision of how to help clients find closure. IMPLICATIONS: The study carries implications for students and therapists working in end-of-life care. Therapists and educators can draw from this study to better understand and support new therapists when patients die.