This book presents the methodology, findings and implications of a large-scale corpus-based study of the metaphors used to talk about cancer and the end of life (including care at the end of life) in the UK. It focuses on metaphor as a central linguistic and cognitive tool that is frequently used to talk and think about sensitive and subjective experiences, such as illness, emotions, death, and dying, and that can both help and hinder communication and well-being, depending on how it is used. The book centers on a combination of qualitative analyses and innovative corpus linguistic methods. This methodological assemblage was applied to the systematic study of the metaphors used in a 1.5-million-word corpus. The corpus consists of interviews with, and online forum posts written by, members of three stakeholder groups, namely: patients diagnosed with advanced cancer; unpaid carers looking after a relative with a diagnosis of advanced cancer; and healthcare professionals. The book presents a range of qualitative and quantitative findings that have implications for: metaphor theory and analysis; corpus linguistic and computational approaches to metaphor; and training and practice in cancer care and hospice, palliative and end-of-life care.

This book presents the methodology, findings and implications of a large-scale corpus-based study of the metaphors used to talk about cancer and the end of life (including care at the end of life) in the UK. It focuses on metaphor as a central linguistic and cognitive tool that is frequently used to talk and think about sensitive and subjective experiences, such as illness, emotions, death, and dying, and that can both help and hinder communication and well-being, depending on how it is used. The book centers on a combination of qualitative analyses and innovative corpus linguistic methods. This methodological assemblage was applied to the systematic study of the metaphors used in a 1.5-million-word corpus. The corpus consists of interviews with, and online forum posts written by, members of three stakeholder groups, namely: patients diagnosed with advanced cancer; unpaid carers looking after a relative with a diagnosis of advanced cancer; and healthcare professionals. The book presents a range of qualitative and quantitative findings that have implications for: metaphor theory and analysis; corpus linguistic and computational approaches to metaphor; and training and practice in cancer care and hospice, palliative and end-of-life care.

"This beautifully written book ... clearly explains the application of psychological concepts and theories to health and succinctly summarises key issues. Each chapter also provides a series of vignettes capturing the kind of real-life situations health and social care professionals will encounter in their own practice and a set of thought-provoking exercises ... These will be invaluable in developing critical thinking skills and growing the capacity to provide the kind of empathic care which is the heart of person-centred practice" Dr Wendy Cousins, Course Director, University of Ulster School of Nursing, UK"I have recommended earlier editions of this book and now am delighted to say that this latest edition is even better. The authors continue to clearly explain the relevance of psychological theories, models and approaches to nursing care but now, through the use of frequent reflective activities, vignettes and a 'psychosoap' family, students are also highly encouraged to identify how the theory will help them to become the high quality holistic practitioners they desire to be." Anthony Duffy, Nurse Tutor, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, UK"This new edition embraces innovation in student learning. The use of the 'psychosoap' provides a structure which is meaningful and insightful. The chapter exercises have 'realworld' application and can be used to understand your own and others motivations, beliefs and values. Unlike many psychology texts ... this book offers real 'food for thought' and provides the building blocks which link theory to practice. It will also be a valuable resource for those who like to 'dip in' to a book." Philip Larkin, Professor of Clinical Nursing (Palliative Care), and Joint Chair, University College Dublin and Our Lady's Hospice & Care Services, Ireland"This new edition continues to improve the reader's experience, providing comprehensive insight into the complex subject of psychology. It is user friendly, underpinned by research findings and will enable the reader to apply its concepts personally and professionally. It is a text which is well designed for student use and application and it has employed a number of innovative features ... An excellent resource, which I would highly recommend." Siobhan McCullough, Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, UKThis bestselling book enables those working in health and social care to learn and apply sound psychological principles in the delivery of excellent, evidence-based, patient-centred care. The emphasis throughout is on the promotion and maintenance of personal well-being and quality of life -for care professionals and those they care for. The new edition features a more engaging and user-friendly format and has been comprehensively revised and updated to reflect the latest psychological knowledge. Psychological principles are also clearly set out and summarised in ways that are easy to read and understand. The fourth edition includes: A unique focus on transferable knowledge and skills applicable in a variety of situationsExercises integrated throughout the text to consolidate learning Examples presented in the form of 'psychosoap' characters drawn from the authors' experiences in research and practiceAn emphasis on positive psychology and promotion of resilience in the management of stress and negative emotionsReviews of recent advances in cognitive science and issues related to communication Psychology for Nurses and the Caring Professions is a succinct, readable and relevant introductory text ideal for students and practitioners in health or social care.

Most chronically and terminally ill patients are cared for in their own homes by family and friends, rather than in hospitals or hospices. These carers are an invaluable free resource and there is an increasing amount of research into their role and the experiences in caring for the terminally ill, patients with cancer and patients with other chronic diseases. This book provides a critique of the theoretical concept of caring, carers and caregivers. Material is based on empirical evidence from recent studies with adults with acquired chronic illnesses, including terminal illness. The empirical data within the book has been gathered from the perspective of those providing personal, domestic or emotional care to others already known to them by virtue of kinship, co-habitation or friendship, rather than carers organised on a professional or voluntary basis. This new evidence is used to make suggestions about possible ways forward within health and social care practice. Students in the fields of health and social care as well as in social sciences undertaking courses with a health focus, practitioners and researchers in palliative care and all those involved in health services provision for the chronically ill will find this book extremely valuable. Other books published by OUP: Palliative care in the home, Derek Doyle & David Jeffrey Integrated cancer care - holistic, complementary and creative approaches, Jennifer Barraclough

This text is a comprehensive, highly readable guide to how to undertake a literature review in health and social care, tailored specifically for postgraduate study. Essential reading for all those undertaking any study at post-graduate level, the book provides clarity and a step by step approach to doing a literature review from start to finish which will enable you to: * Identify which type of review is appropriate for your study * Select the literature that you need to include in your review * Search for, appraise and analyse relevant literature * Write up your review Crucially the book explores the common features of a broad range of types of literature review, which serve different functions - including the literature review that is a pre-requisite prior to a larger empirical study, and the literature review that is a study in its own right. With real-life examples of written research and succinct summaries at the end of each chapter, A Post-Graduate's Guide to Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care is the ideal text for students wanting to get the very most from their study.

Support for the family is a key component of palliative care practice and philosophy, with both patient and family construed as the 'unit of care'. However, there is not always formal acknowledgement of the importance of the family carer role, or that of friends, neighbours and other non-professional, informal carers. Consequently, health and social care professionals find carer support work particularly challenging. Symptom management, personal care, and administering of medications are just some of the tasks taken on by this group of non-professionals, and the impact of this role can have negative emotional, physical, financial and social implications on the care-giver. Furthermore, family carers consistently report unmet needs, and there has been a lack of intervention studies aimed at improving carer support.
This book therefore provides an evidence-based, practical guide to enable health and social care professionals to assess and respond to family carer needs. It also explores the wider sociological, policy, and research issues related to family carers and palliative care.

Society has become increasingly diverse; multi-cultural, multi-faith and wide ranging in family structures. The wealthier are healthier and social inequalities are more pronounced. Respecting and working with the range of 'differences' among service users, families and communities in health and social care with ill, dying and bereaved people is a neglected area in the literature. As the principles of palliative and end of life care increasingly permeate the mainstream of health and social care services, it is important that professionals are sensitive and respond to the differing needs of individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, beliefs, abilities and sexual orientations, as well as to the different contexts and social environments in which people live and die. This book explores what underpins inequality, disadvantage and injustice in access to good end of life care. Increasingly clinicians, policy planners, and academics are concerned about inequity in service provision. Internationally, there is an increasing focus and sense of urgency both on delivering good care in all settings regardless of diagnosis, and on better meeting the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. National initiatives emphasise the importance of resolving disparities in care and harnessing empowered user voices to drive change. This newly expanded, fully revised second edition, with 11 new chapters, provides a comprehensive analysis of discrimination, difference and disadvantage in end of life care, and offers practical guidance for all who seek to support the equitable provision of good end of life care.

Palliative and end of life care are concerned with the physical, social, psychological and spiritual care of people with advanced disease. It currently has a poorly developed research base, but the need to improve this is increasingly recognised. One of the reasons for the lack of research - and the variable quality of the research that is undertaken - is the difficulty of conducting research with very ill and bereaved people. Standard and well-established research methods may need to be adapted to work in this context. This means that existing research methods textbooks may be of limited use to palliative care practitioners seeking to do research for the first time, or to more experienced researchers wanting to apply their knowledge in palliative care settings.
This research methods textbook is the first to be written specifically for palliative care. It has been edited by four experienced palliative care academics with acknowledged expertise and international reputations in this field. It encompasses methods used in both clinical and health services research in palliative care, with sections on clinical, epidemiological, survey and qualitative research, as well as a section covering skills needed in any research project. Each chapter provides readers with an up to date overview of the research method in question, an understanding of its applicability to palliative care and of the particular challenges of using it in this setting. It is essential reading for all palliative care researchers.