Description of an Australian model for end-of-life care in patients with hematologic malignancies

Purpose/Objectives: To present a model for end-of-life care in adult hematology that has been developed from nursing insights. Data Sources: Insights obtained from 25 nursing interviews during a two-year, qualitative, Australian National Health and Medical Research Council research study.Data Synthesis: The nursing insights indicate that an understanding of end-of-life care in hematology needs to be set in a trilogy of over lapping models (labeled functional, evolving, and refractory) that address the complexity of issues associated with professional and hospital culture. Conclusions: The authors have used the findings of their national research study to develop a useful, working model to assist with the integration of palliative care into adult hematology. Implications for Nursing: The model develops a new language for understanding and fostering the integration of palliative care and hematology.