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Psychological processes of suffering of palliative care patients in Malaysia: a thematic analysis
  1. Seng Beng Tan1,
  2. Ee Chin Loh2,
  3. Chee Loong Lam2,
  4. Chong Guan Ng3,
  5. Ee Jane Lim2 and
  6. Christopher Chiong Meng Boey4
  1. 1 Unit of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  2. 2 Department of Medicine, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  3. 3 Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  4. 4 University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  1. Correspondence to Professor Seng Beng Tan, Unit of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur 59100, Malaysia; pramudita_1{at}hotmail.com

Abstract

Although suffering in palliative care has received increasing attention over the past decade, the psychological processes that underpin suffering remain relatively unexplored.

Objective To understand the psychological processes involved in the experiencing of suffering at the end phase of life.

Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 palliative care inpatients from an academic medical centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The transcripts were thematically analysed with NVIVO9.

Results 5 themes of psychological processes of suffering were generated: (1) perceptions, (2) cognitive appraisals, (3) hope and the struggles with acceptance, (4) emotions and (5) clinging. A model of suffering formation was constructed.

Conclusion The findings may inform the development of mechanism-based interventions in the palliation of suffering.

  • Suffering
  • Palliative Care
  • Psychosocial Care
  • Thematic Analysis
  • Malaysia

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2015-001064

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