Exploring views about independence and care towards the end of life for people who live alone 

Project Duration

01 April 2014 - 30 September 2015

Funder

British Academy/Leverhulme small grant

Aims

to pilot sociological autopsy as a methodology to explore the phenomenon of dying alone at home. 

Objectives 

1. Improve understanding of circumstances of individuals who live and die alone at home. 
2. Engage in critical debate with current conceptions of the 'good death'.
3. Formulate recommendations for professionals whose work brings them into contact with people who are likely to die alone at home.

Methods

Conduct a pilot study to:

1. Test the utility of the sociological autopsy as methodology to explore cases of those individuals who die alone and are later found dead. This will begin with an examination of coroners’ records in 3 cases where individuals have died alone at home. Further data sources will be identified from the records and interviews sought with appropriate professionals, relatives, neighbours and/or friends in order to situate the story told in the records in the wider social context.
2. Test feasibility and acceptability of interview recruitment method by interviewing 5 individuals who live alone and have an increased chance of dying alone at home. Participants will be recruited through a gatekeeper, e.g. hospice discharge team. The acceptability of the interview guide will be explored with participants. Five health professionals will also be interviewed to explore their experience and views.

Stage of Development

An advisory group has been established, comprising academic and lay members.

Documentation for potential research participants has been reviewed and commented upon by members of the Patient and Public Involvement group. 

The proposal is currently undergoing review by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Ethics Committee, prior to the commencement of data collection.

Data collection will commence in the summer of 2015.