Your research on end of life care in Vietnam is relatively new. What inspired you to focus on this area?
My interest in end of life care stems from my experience working on the VITAL Project at OUCRU. This project focuses on technical innovation for intensive care units (ICUs) in Vietnamese hospitals.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in Vietnam’s healthcare system, particularly in end of life care. Working in the ICU during this time, I witnessed first-hand the immense challenges faced by patients, families and healthcare providers as patients approached the end of their lives.
The emotional toll and lack of adequate resources deeply affected me, inspiring me to pursue research in this area.
How do cultural beliefs influence end of life decisions in Vietnam?
Vietnamese culture has distinct beliefs and practices around death and dying. One significant tradition is keeping loved ones at home as they are nearing the end. This is perceived as a “good death”, in contrast to passing away alone in the hospital. Even if it means travelling far or spending a lot, families will try to bring their loved ones home for their final moments.
Another thing is that many Vietnamese prefer a peaceful death without invasive interventions.
These beliefs can create challenges for healthcare providers who must balance the patient’s medical needs with their family’s cultural preferences.
What are some of the most significant challenges faced by patients and families?
Patients and families often struggle with financial burdens, emotional distress, and decision-making related to end of life care. Even with health insurance, the costs of hospitalisation, medications, and specialised care at the ICUs can be expensive.
Families of very ill patients may face a difficult choice: extending costly treatments with uncertain outcomes or choosing palliative care, which focuses on comfort and quality of life.
If families choose to care for their loved ones at home, they also face financial barriers. Currently, there is no government support or insurance for home-based palliative care. Once a patient is discharged from the hospital, the family is responsible for all medical costs. This can make it difficult to decide whether to continue treatment or opt for palliative care.
Read the full story on the Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health website.