Hospice Care Needs Assessment

Assessing the Need for Hospice Care and Hospice Facilities for Terminally Ill AIDS Patients in Namibia

By:

Karin Nasheya

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The researcher would like to express gratitude and appreciation to:

      Individuals (and their families) who participated in the study and who gave so generously of their time and thoughts about their experience of caring for terminally ill AIDS patients, given the sensitivity of the subject.

      Research assistants (data collectors) who worked under challenging conditions to find individuals who are willing take part in the study and complete the questionnaires.

      Support received from family and friends during this challenging period.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at assessing whether there was a need for hospice are and hospice facilities for terminally ill AIDS patients in Namibia. The study was conducted in the Khomas region of Namibia. A total of 100 people were successfully interviewed from key informants, namely, individuals who have directly taken care of or participated in taking care of at least one terminally ill AIDS patient.   This study group was selected because they posses the knowledge and experience of taking care of a terminally ill patient. The subjects responded to various questions related to the needs of terminally AIDS patients such as whether they received training, external support, remuneration, patient’s problems, major challenges encountered, tasks performed, pressing needs, and preferred facility for taking care of terminally ill AIDS patients. The study concludes that cares are overwhelmed by the burden of taking care of terminally ill AIDS patients without sufficient training, assistance,   and as well as availability of specialized services or facilities to assist them. The majority indicated they would welcome the introduction of hospice services and hospice facilities to take care of or assist in the taking care of terminally ill AIDS patients.

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