Linking Trajectories of Illness and Dying

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Abstract
Despite the large number of theories regarding illness and dying, there is an absence of theoretical work that follows the trajectory from the onset of illness to death. This qualitative study expanded the illness constellation model to include the experience of dying. Following unstructured interviews with 41 individuals (15 ill individuals receiving palliative care, 13 family members of individuals receiving palliative care, and 13 palliative care nurses), data were transcribed and analyzed using NUD*IST 4.0 and the constant comparative method. Until they begin to experience rapid physical deterioration, the response of individuals receiving palliative care to illness is remarkably similar to the experience of other ill individuals. As the ability to maintain self-integrity is lost, however, ill individuals enter a new phase (enduring to die), characterized by progressive withdrawal, not previously outlined in the illness constellation model.