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Caring at the end of life: Bereaved family members' experiences of preparedness, readiness, and anticipation fatigue

Author

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  • MacArthur, Nathan D.
  • Kirby, Emma
  • Mowll, Jane

Abstract

Ensuring patient and family members' preparedness for dying is a key focus for palliative care. This article draws on the retrospective accounts of bereaved adult family members' experiences of anticipation and preparedness following a death in palliative or residential aged care. Participants completed in-depth interviews (n = 36). A constructivist grounded theory approach guided data collection and analysis, through which the complexities of engaging in preparedness whilst navigating questions of how to care well emerged. We propose the concept of anticipation fatigue as a means by which to understand the impacts of holding multiple, sometimes contradictory, positions in the pursuit of ‘good’ care at end of life. These results deepen our understandings of the impacts of caring-in-anticipation and offer insights for improving support to families receiving palliative care.

Suggested Citation

  • MacArthur, Nathan D. & Kirby, Emma & Mowll, Jane, 2025. "Caring at the end of life: Bereaved family members' experiences of preparedness, readiness, and anticipation fatigue," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 380(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:380:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625005830
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118252
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