Status of education:

Works on the Master’s project in health sciences at the University of Akureyri with emphasis on cancer and palliative care.

Name and objective of the research project:

Communication and formation of a treatment relationship in palliative care: the experience of family members in emergency wards in hospitals.

The aim is to explore the attitudes and experiences of the family members of the treatment and service provided. I am particularly interested in getting insight into the aspect of the communication of the family members with health care professionals at this time. What factors were considered important in communication, good or bad, and how decision making on treatment was conducted.

Why is your research important?

The study is an important contribution to addressing the apparent lack of research in Iceland. The results of the study can provide evidence of whether changes are needed in the organization and services provided to patients in palliative care and their relatives, whether changes are needed in the communication methods of healthcare professionals, what can be done better and what possible obstacles might be present.

How has SAk supported you in your scientific work?

I have been studying at the Department of Education and Science for four months this year and this has helped me with the processing of the project. I would like to express my appreciation for the support from the SAK.

Instructor: Dr. Elísabet Hjörleifsdóttir.

The study positions at the Faculty of Education and Science are for permanent students in higher education who are reduced in their work due to scientific work. In the coming weeks we will learn about these researchers and their projects.