March 29, 2006
Deathbed phenomena:
The Glasgow Herald reports on the work of neuropsychiatrist Peter Fenwick, who is investigating 'deathbed phenomena', the unusual experiences that are often reported by a dying patient or their relatives.
Fenwick and his team have just published the results of a study in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care that notes that these experiences are not the result of medication and are relatively common.
Furthermore, they tend to be quite diverse and not simply the traditional 'light at the end of a tunnel' or 'friendly figure' appearing at the end of the bed.
Their origin is still a mystery, but Fenwick is running an ongoing research project to better understand the experiences to try and improve care and support for the dying person and their familes.
Link to article 'Visions of the Dying' in the Herald.
Link to website of Fenwick's research project.
