Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide basic data useful to the training of hospice care members. For this study carried out to investigate the degree of death orientation of hospice care members. The subjects of study were 22 nurses, 85 clergies, 59 volunteers who registered on Hospice Education Programs. The data were analysed by descriptive analysis, t-test, ANOVA, Duncan test and Person's correlation coefficient. The results of the study can be summarized as follows; 1. The degree of death orientation were 85.95 in nurses group, 73.05 in clergies group, and 88.49 in volunteers group. So, clergies group has more positive death orientation than others. 2. The degree of death orientation showed significant differences between age group(F=4.62, p=.004), education program group(F=27.25, p=.000), and religiosity(t=3.77, p=.000). There were no significant differences between the degree of death orientation and the others general characteristics of hospice care members. In conclusion, the urgent need for educational preparation of death orientation and spiritual care of hospice care team, especially volunteers group and nurses group is emphasized. Furthermore, all of the hospice care members those who complete the hospice education program, should be performed efficient hospice care intervention for dying patients and their families.