Table 6.
Codes and discourse of patients and relatives on the need for emotional support in the end-of-life process.
| Dimension | Codes | Cites | Informant | Discourse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emotional support | Fear of sudden death | 8 | Patient | PA9: “I knew the situation was delicate, and at any moment things could take an unexpected turn. That uncertainty was terrifying. Not being able to prepare emotionally for what might happen generated an overwhelming sense of helplessness. We learned to live with fear, but also to find beauty in the midst of uncertainty”. |
| 7 | Relative | FA11: “Lately I don’t go out on the street anymore, my neighbors bring me groceries, I don’t want to leave the house or leave it with my daughter. Thinking that when I come back I won’t be there prevents me from leaving the house”. | ||
| Fear of the suffering of family members | 5 | Patient | PA12: “The fear of seeing my loved ones suffer because of me was a constant shadow in my heart”. | |
| Feeling heard | 12 | Patient | PA4: “There were so many thoughts, emotions and reflections that I needed to express. Feeling understood and validated became a deep need. I thank my medical team and my loved ones for giving me that space to share my concerns and wishes”. | |
| 9 | Relative | FA8: “It is very important that someone listens to you when you have so many fears and so many doubts. I have felt very accompanied” | ||
| Loneliness | 9 | Patient | PA8: “I appreciate the emotional support I have received from my family and friends. Knowing that they are by my side gives me a sense of closeness and helps me cope with this sense of isolation”. | |
| 8 | Relative | FA15: “The toilets have worried a lot about me, they called me every week to see how everything was going and they always asked me how I was, that comforted me very much… to feel that someone cares about you in these moments when you feel so alone… it is very comforting”. | ||
| Religious practices | 7 | Patient | PA13: “Praying every night and praying for my family is what comforts me the most. Knowing that I can die and that everything is going to be okay, that I will be reunited with my parents”. | |
| Farewell | 11 | Patient | PA1: “I felt the need to leave a legacy of love and caring, to make sure they knew how important they were to me. Although the sadness was palpable, there was also a sense of peace knowing that we were sharing these moments together, celebrating life”. | |
| Decision-making | 7 | Relative | FA10: “I made the decision and prepared the environment as she liked all her saints in the hairdresser, smell of incense and background her music. I felt very satisfied when it was all over because it had been done the way she liked it”. |
Source: own elaboration.