Caring Community Köln

German Version

Hindering and supportive factors for setting up a participatory round table to improve care and support in the last year of life

Gerontological research on Well-Beeing (GROW II)

Project management: Prof. Dr. Frank Schulz-Nieswandt (Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, University Cologne), Prof. Dr. Raymond Voltz (Department of Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Cologne)
Contact: Lisa Valerius
Duration: 02/2019-12/2022
Funding: Minister of Culture and Science of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Homepage:www.caringcommunity.koeln

Project Description

With increasing age, the probability increases that relatives, friends and acquaintances die and that oneself goes through various mourning processes. At the same time, the risk of dying also increases. In this last phase of life, the "last year of life", competent health care is a prerequisite for the best possible quality of life. But we spend only about 5% of our lifetime in this phase accompanied by professional caregivers, 95% of our time is spent in our social environment. Both aspects belong to a "compassionate community" when it comes not only to optimising care, but also to improving general health competence in dealing with the issues of "dying, death and grief". In Cologne, there is political will to introduce a participatory round table, moderated by the city and the Cologne Palliative and Hospice Network. The objective now is to identify and interest all relevant stakeholders and to discuss the current situation as well as future ideas at the (to be initiated) Round Table.

Possible research questions: Which hindering and which supportive factors exist among the stakeholders and practice partner in Cologne when it comes to the question of participation in such a participatory round table? How can the establishment of such an instrument be optimised? How can the work at the Round Table be designed as most participatory as possible?

Methods: Participatory action research through interviews with stakeholders, practice partners, focus groups, participant observation method. Practice partners are companies, politicians, citizens' representatives, health care institutions and others.