The experience of spiritual pain for dying migrants away from birth country

Abstract

Spiritual pain can be linked with aspects of life meaning, culture and religion that arise for address in the dying period. Population demographics in New Zealand mirror most developed countries in showing a rise in the ageing population statistics and a projected increase in ethnic diversity. These statistics will impact palliative care, and the needs of the migrant population will require a deeper understanding of what it means to have a life-threatening/end-of-life illness. Migrants face challenges of living and integrating into a new society. Coupled with an end-of-life illness, this can impact their quality of living and dying immeasurably. Aims This study sought to ask dying migrants what their experience and thoughts were on dying away from their country of birth/origin. Methods Ten migrants in end-of-life were recruited through hospices for this phenomenological study. Their stories were interpreted using the Heideggerian notion of ‘being’ in the end-of-life ‘clearing’ to understand their experiences of dying in adoptive country. Results Three prominent notions were identified from the stories for discussion. The first notion emerged of the participants contemplating identity and belonging as a direct result of having lived in two countries, and the experienced differences between both. The second notion identified the participants as being in life review. The third notion noted their positions in seeking resolution and transformation. Discussion A vision for the future for this group of people would be to optimise their quality of dying. The implications for palliative care and other health practitioners who care for ageing and sick migrants include a need for awareness and a deep understanding of the experienced discord that may be present. An approach in care that facilitates resolution of this dissonance can improve the dying experience for migrants and their families. This study was funded by the researcher for PhD study.