Please roll your mouse over each phrase for a further explanation of the Peaceful Journey–End-of-Life Process.

Previous research studies have resulted in multiple individual concepts for increasing patients’ end-of-life quality in areas such as advanced care directives, comfort levels and spiritual care concerns protocols; however, greater education is needed in fulfilling all the patients’ needs together under one “umbrella” or “conceptual map."  As a result of these needs being identified through the author’s practice and Master’s Degree research and study, “Spiritual Care Beliefs and Practices of the Registered Nurse at the Patients’ End-of-Life"; the Peaceful Journey End-of-Life Process was developed.

The conceptual map describes the end of life or dying process, beginning at the time of the patients’ diagnosis continuing throughout the patient’s end-of-life.  Each stage is designed to assist the patient and family members through the process and ultimately, experiencing a quality death experience for all involved.

Many tools developed by previous researchers have assisted health care professionals in improving the quality of life and quality of dying for their patients.  Authors such as Katherine Kolcaba, who developed the “Comfort Theory”, and Martha Highfield, PhD., developer of the “Spiritual Care Assessment Tool” for healthcare workers, were instrumental in assessing comfort whether it was physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual.

Utilization of the Peaceful Journey—End-of-Life Process will help to ensure that all areas of the patients’ needs are addressed by members of the healthcare team through assessment and implementation.