Caring at end-of-life: the experience of Chinese immigrant women in Australia

Abstract

The lack of Australian research concerning the experience of Chinese immigrant women caring for a relative at end-of-life at home in Australia emphasized the need for this study to be undertaken. The aim of this study was to 1) explore the specific needs of Chinese carers in supporting a family member dying at home; and 2) to identify the impact of migration and cultural beliefs, and practices on the palliative care experience of Chinese immigrant women. A qualitative design with exploratory, descriptive and interpretive frameworks was chosen for this study to explore the experiences of Chinese immigrant women caring for a relative in the palliative care phase of their illness at home. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with twelve carers in their homes and analysed employing thematic analysis, using key-words in the context method. The results of the study indicated the under-utilisation of palliative care services within CALD communities in Australia. Three major findings emerged 1) migration experiences, 2) loss of self-determination and autonomy, and 3) caring is a lonely and isolating experience. The study demonstrated that migration experiences and cultural difference had an impact on their caring role experience within an Australian palliative care context. The findings capture the realities and complex interplay of upheld cultural obligation, communication challenges, multiple losses, loneliness and isolation within the pervading situation of migration. A key implication is that regardless of cultural backgrounds, trusting communication relationships can be developed to enable nurses to understand the individual contextually-driven nature of being a Chinese immigrant woman providing end-of-life care at home in Australia. The outcomes of this research will provide nurses with information to redefine their practices to accommodate different worldviews.