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The meaning of Friday afternoon tea for informal caregivers on a palliative care unit.

PURPOSE
This study was carried out to determine the meaning of an established intervention called 'Friday afternoon tea' for family members and patients on a palliative care unit.


METHOD
A mini-ethnographic study was undertaken in a rural hospital in Newfoundland, Canada, to explore the meaning of 'Friday afternoon tea' as a sub-culture of the palliative care unit. Data were collected using semi-structured, audio-taped interviews with eight family members whose loved ones were receiving end-of-life or symptom management treatment. Data collection also included participant observation and field notes. Thematic analysis of the narratives revealed three themes: more than a cup of tea, a welcomed distraction, and caring and comfort.


DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The degree of distress experienced by family members reinforced the importance of the type of supportive intervention that 'Friday afternoon tea' provides. It was found that this bedside care provided additional opportunities for social interaction for family caregivers. This study contributes to evidence-based knowledge concerning the benefits of a cost-effective intervention which can easily be replicated by other palliative care units. This study acknowledges the importance of healthcare team members carrying out informal social initiatives.