The influence of professional ideology in the New Zealand hospice 'movement'

Abstract

This thesis examines the growth and development of the 'hospice movement' in New Zealand. Hospice is a specific model of care provided for persons suffering from a terminal illness and their families. It has grown rapidly in Western nations over the last two decades. Hospice groups have been active in New Zealand over the past eight years. The study examines ideological features of hospice in other nations. A model of hospice ideology is developed from documentary sources. This is compared with data obtained via subjectivist research carried out in three New Zealand hospices. It is argued that the model exhibits some ideological inconsistency which may be explained with reference to the influence of some aspects of professional ideology. Hospice advocates declare two goals - reform and specialization - which in context can be considered somewhat incompatible. The development of a medical speciality of terminal care is perceived as being a pragmatic response to the conflict between reformist beliefs and the values and professional rules of medicine. Evidence of similar features is demonstrated from the New Zealand fieldwork findings.