Purpose:
• To investigate the concepts of quality of life and quality of dying, reflecting on legal, ethical, cultural, religious and personal viewpoints.
• To critically examine the holistic complexities of a life-threatening illness for the individual, whanau/family, community and the health professional’s role and responsibilities in response to the impact.
Graduate Profile Outcomes (GPO’s)
GPO1: Competently apply knowledge relevant to health issues to assist in the enhancement of the
health of the individual, whanau/family, organisations and communities.
GPO2: Critically assess ways in which socio-cultural, economic and physical environments are
determinants of the health of the individual, whanau/family, organisations and
communities.
GPO3: Evaluate how well the holistic health needs of the individual, whanau/family, organisations
and communities are met through the provision of and access to health services.
GPO4: Analyse concepts of health professionals` roles, including legislation, Te Tiriti o Waitangi/
The Treaty of Waitangi and health ethics.
Learning outcomes:
LO1: Reflect on own values and beliefs in relation to the concepts of quality of life and quality of
dying. In addition, explore legal, cultural and religious influences on these concepts.
Part 1: Reflection
Analyse concepts of the quality of living and dying and reflect on your personal values and beliefs in relation to these life events. The quality of life is more than a ‘standard of living’, while the quality of dying is a personal perception of the dying experience. Both are a subjective integration of personal expectations and values.
a. Analyse five factors that affect the concept of quality of life.
b. Analyse three concepts or domains that contribute to quality of dying.
c. Taking into consideration the analysis of the concepts of living and dying in a and b, reflect on your personal values and beliefs in relation to the quality of life and dying Using Gibb’s reflective cycle.
Part 2: Exploration
Concepts that influence perceptions of life and death include, legal, cultural, and religious. In the role of a health practitioner, it is important to be aware of their influence and reflect on how they impact on your own values and beliefs.
a. Explain and reflect on three legal aspects of quality of life and quality of dying e.g., euthanasia, advance care planning, legal responsibilities.
b. How do cultural factors impact on the concept of living and dying? Discuss factors from prospective of three cultures including your own culture.
c. Provide examples from three religions how they approach the concept of living and dying.
