The support of professionals is important in establishing and maintaining the work of the group. Nursing Director, St Catherine's Hospice, Crawley, UK Extensive literature exists on the experience of adjusting to dying, much of it focusing on observational studies of dying people's responses to terminal illness. The provision of psychological care is viewed as a core component of the hospice approach. However, no studies have explored terminally ill patients' perceptions of their psychological needs and care. Although the provision of psychological care is viewed as a core component of the hospice approach, no studies have explored terminally ill patients' perceptions of their psychological needs and care.
Patients view nurses as key people in offering emotional support.
Many patients are surprised by the support they receive. The hospice movement should conduct a large-scale study of patients' perceptions of their emotional needs and care, and define an effective hospice model of counselling services. In 1993 I was permitted to explore the idea of taking art onto the wards of the hospice. I tried every conceivable ploy to tempt patients into taking the creative initiative - and failed. As I began to bring the project towards a graceful close, a small sponsorship award arrived.