Conducting research with the dying: ethical considerations and experience.

Abstract

This article explores the ethical considerations that arose during a qualitative evaluation study of an Australian domiciliary palliative care agency. The research sought to answer the question: 'What is the relationship between palliative care philosophy and that received by dying clients and their primary carer?'. Interviews were conducted with clients, carers and agency staff, which exposed particular issues relating to the protection of vulnerable groups such as the dying. The fact that key aspects of research ethics can only be understood when the context of people's lives and experiences are taken into account is explained. Questions raised during the implementation of the study illust..