Comment sought on care services

The needs of GLBTI people in hospice and end-of-life hospital care settings are to be examined in a new research study conducted through Southern Cross University.
Dr Tania Lienert of the Aged Services Learning and Research Centre is interested in ascertaining gay, lesbian, bi and transgender concerns around health care provided for the terminally ill or injured.
“Many people do not think very much about what care or medical treatment they would, or would not, want at such a time. However, accidents or serious illness can happen at any time,” she explained.
“We believe planning is extremely important, and we want to find out what GLBT people know and think about it.”
People interested in participating in the survey are warned, however, that subjects touched on in the 15-minute questionnaire may evoke emotion.
“The questions in the survey relate directly to end-of-life care issues, and although much care has been taken to ensure that the questions asked involve minimal risk to participants, you may find that your participation in this research raises some unexpected emotions,” the survey’s preamble explains. Links to counselling services are provided at the end of the process.
The information collated will be used to develop educational resources and it is hoped will lead to improved end-of-life care services for GLBTI people. The research will be published in a report and potentially a peer-reviewed journal. Researchers have guaranteed that all material is confidential, and in no way will any person be identified.
info: For more information or to take part in the survey visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Skt6IMclHYSzQRx4RFV19w_3d_3d or contact Dr Tania Lienert on 6620 3450.