Experiences of death of older adults in medical practice and human dignity

Abstract

This study focuses on the experiences of death of older adults in medical practice, and human dignity in hospital environments. It discusses the medical perspective regarding their experience with death of older
adults, as well as the behavior and reactions of the family when their loved ones are on the verge of death. The research was qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews
with eleven doctors, who have worked for over five years in a large hospital in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. Through thematic content analysis, this research analyzed the “experiences of death of older adults in medical
practice” and the subcategories related to it. It concludes that it is necessary to include within medical training opportunities for the discussion and study of how to approach and deal with death, in order to minimize ethical dilemmas faced by professionals in their daily practice.