緩和醫療之研究法討論及省思

Discussion and Reflections on Palliative Care Research Methodologies

近年來，有關緩和醫療的研究在國內蓬勃發展，對研究之設計上的嚴謹度也日趨受到重視。由於安寧緩和醫療之病患及照顧者的特殊性，在研究法上有其獨特性。目前對於安寧緩和相關的研究仍有許多爭議及模糊處，常困擾有志於參與此研究族群之研究人員。本文旨在討論緩和醫療照護研究之研究法的相關問題。就研究的理論依據、研究設計、研究步驟及倫理議題等方向，以實證醫學的角度提出討論與反思。期望做為對於有志於安寧緩和領域之研究者，在勾勒研究設計時之參考依據。

With the significant advance of palliative care methodologies in recent years, the rigor of research design in studies addressing palliative care has become more important. However, there remain disputes and arguments regarding the appropriate approach to take with regard to studies into palliative care. The purpose of this study was to organize relevant discussions in the debate and offer suggestions regarding a palliative care theoretical framework, research design and ethical issues. The importance of this study comes from its providing insights to researchers interested in hospice and palliative care.