What can lead to increased distress for patients and families in end-of-life care?

Increased distress for patients and families in end-of-life care can stem from cross-cultural misunderstandings. When healthcare providers and patients come from different cultural backgrounds, there may be significant differences in beliefs, values, and practices regarding death and dying. These differences can lead to misinterpretations and miscommunications about the patient’s care preferences, treatment options, and the grieving process.

For instance, some cultures may have specific rituals or customs around death that are not recognized or respected by healthcare providers, leading to feelings of alienation or frustration among patients and families. In such scenarios, misunderstandings can also occur regarding the terminology used in discussions of prognosis, treatment options, or palliative care, exacerbating feelings of distress. Therefore, acknowledging and addressing cross-cultural differences is critical to providing compassionate, effective end-of-life care and minimizing distress for both patients and their families.