Early palliative care perceptions by patients with cancer and primary caregivers: metaphorical language.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This article reports on the results of an analysis of metaphorical language used by patients diagnosed with advanced cancer and their caregivers receiving early palliative care (EPC).

Methods

Data were collected through a pen-and-paper questionnaire on respondents' perceptions of the disease, its treatment and their idea of death, before and after receiving EPC. The data were analysed by identifying all metaphorical uses of language, following the 'metaphor identification procedure' proposed by the Praggjelaz Group.

Results

Metaphors were used from a variety of semantic fields. EPC was described using spiritual terms, to indicate that this approach was instrumental in 'restoring life', 'producing hope' and making patients feel 'accompanied'. The most recurre

SUBMITTER: Bandieri E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11672001 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature