Bioethics Perspective of the Feasibility and Implementation of an Existential Psychoanalytic Praxis Addressing End-Of-Life Care in the Elderly, Boudreau Richard

As people age through the lifespan, many focus with increasing intensity on the issues they face as elderly members of society and as people facing end-of-life decision-making. The inevitability of death does not detract from the onset of death anxiety and conflicted views that emerge because of the range of impacts of aging. End-of-life issues, including fear of dying, have been recognized as a factor hindering psychosocial functioning in elderly populations. Subsequently, defining therapeutic methods through which individuals can address their fears and alleviate anxiety have become goals in creating dynamic psychotherapeutic approaches.

One of the emerging strategies outlined in the current literature is the use of existential philosophical principles in the creation of an operational psychoanalytic praxis. Because end-of-life issues often result in the desire by individuals to confront their existence (existential philosophy), the application of an existential psychotherapeutic approach has been introduced as a part of existing research. This has led to the identification of death fear as a major development in the presence of end-of-life assessments. An operational psychoanalytic model that addresses the issue of the fear of death has been identified as a major development in creating a workable psychoanalytic praxis. The underlying belief shared by researchers is that fear is inherent for both doctors and patients and requires understanding and compassion on both sides of the equation. The implementation of a feasible psychoanalytical praxis that takes into consideration the benefits of an existential and pathosophical (empathy-based) approach to treatment is a necessary improvement to existing structures. This research study is designed to assess the models or psychoanalytical praxes introduced when addressing the needs of elderly individuals, and evaluate both the historical context in which they were formed and the support mechanisms for their continuation. Through a close scrutiny of existing approaches, the evidence presented supports the benefits of existential and pathosophical praxis to create responsive options for elderly patients seeking support at the end of life.