Questioning Capacity in an Elderly Jamaican Man with Terminal Cancer Exhibiting Near-Death Awareness: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Background

Near-death awareness (NDA) refers to visions and dreams commonly experienced by terminally ill individuals within months to hours before death.

Methods

A case report of a 68-year-old Jamaican male diagnosed with advanced cholangiocarcinoma, who experienced visions of his deceased mother during hospitalization.

Results

This article discusses how to differentiate NDA from delirium, core components for determining decisional capacity, and how clinicians can use a cultural guide to optimize patient-centered care.

Conclusion

Improved recognition of NDA may promote cultural humility/competency and help to differentiate NDA from an underlying medical/psychiatric condition. It may assist the clinician in understanding the significance of NDA and the comfort and meaning these experiences may hold for both the individual and their family.