The liminality of palliative care

Authors

  • Roz McKechnie
  • Chrys Jaye
  • Rod MacLeod

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11157/sites-vol7iss2id158

Keywords:

Palliative, Liminality, Community

Abstract

Introduction: This paper discusses the application of the anthropological concept of liminality to narratives of New Zealanders living in the community with life threatening conditions, both malignant and non-malignant. Method: This qualitative research aimed to explore the ways in which people diagnosed with life-threatening conditions managed their life world. Using a narrative approach, 13 participants, eight spousal caregivers, three adult children, three specialists, one general practitioner and one psychotherapist were interviewed. Analysis was thematic and interpretive within a phenomenological framework. Conclusion: Receiving a diagnosis with a poor prognosis heralded significant life changes for patients and their families and precipitated a transition from an identity as a productive member of society and community participant to that of patient living with an uncertain future. Conceptualising end of life care in terms of liminality offers a powerful framework for understanding the experiences and challenges faced by people with life threatening conditions and their families.

Author Biographies

Roz McKechnie

Roz is a medical anthropologist based in the Department of General Practice & Rural Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago.

Chrys Jaye

Chrys is a medical anthropologist and senior lecturer based in the Department of General Practice & Rural Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago.

Rod MacLeod

Rod is Honorary Clinical Professor and Associate Professor at the Department of General Practice & Primary Health Care, School of Population Studies, University of Auckland.

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Published

21-02-2011

How to Cite

McKechnie, R., Jaye, C., & MacLeod, R. (2011). The liminality of palliative care. Sites: A Journal of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies, 7(2), 9–29. https://doi.org/10.11157/sites-vol7iss2id158

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Section

Articles