Karen Kehl, RN, MS, CHPN

Office Address: K6/389
Office Phone: (608) 263-5298
Email: kkehl@charter.net

DEGREE INFORMATION:

DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH FOCUS:

My research interest is in using innovative methods from many disciplines, including quality management to improve the quality of care at the end of life. I am especially interested in issues pertaining to the role of family at the end-of-life and family response to death in diverse settings.

My current program of research is aimed at developing a tailored message for preparing home hospice families for death. There is no research information on preparing families for death in the home. My dissertation research is focused on describing the materials and messages given to families to assist them in preparing for a home hospice death. The knowledge gained from this research will be used in conjunction with the existing data concerning family needs at the time of death to prepare a tailored message designed to prepare families for death in the home hospice setting. Such a message would assist nurses in adequately preparing families for home hospice death. Adequate preparation for death may affect the family members’ perception of both the end-of-life care and the death event itself and grieving.

MAJOR ADVISOR:

Karin Kirchhoff, RN, PhD, FAAN

SECONDARY AREA OF CONCENTRATION:

Quality Management

SECONDARY AREA ADVISOR:

Mark Finster, PhD

REPRESENTATIVE PUBLICATIONS/PRESENTATIONS:

*Kehl, K.A. Moving towards peace: An analysis of the concept of a good death. American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine (In review - submitted June, 2005)

*Kehl, K.A. Recognition and support of anticipatory mourning. Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing. 7(3):206-212, 2005.

Kehl, K.A. Practical issues in the use of methadone. Hospice and Palliative Care Reporter. 1(3):9-12, 2005 - Written as part of HPNA Reporter Award

Kehl, K.A. An introduction to EPEC-Oncology Training. Hospice and Palliative Care Reporter. 1(3):24-26, 2005 - Written as part of HPNA Reporter Award

Kirchhoff, K.T., Song M.K. & Kehl K. Caring for the family of the critically ill patient. Critical Care Clinics. 20(3):453-66, ix-x, 2004 Jul. - Invited publication

*Kehl, K.A. Treatment of terminal restlessness: a review of the evidence. Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy. 18(1):5-30, 2004.

* indicates peer reviewed publication

PAPERS PRESENTED AT CONFERENCES

Kehl, K.A. ICU and end-of-life care: Opportunities for quality care. Breakout session. Opening Doors: Building Bridges, 1st National Conference on Access to Hospice and Palliative Care. St. Louis, MO. Sponsored by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. August 1, 2005. Research presentation.

Kehl, K.A. & Kirchhoff, K.T. Family perceptions of care at the end of life in an ICU and hospice facility. Paper in symposium “Patient-centered interventions to improve end-of-life care”. State of the Science in Nursing Research Congress. Washington, D.C. Sponsored by CANS. October 6, 2004. Research presentation.

Kehl, K.A. Symposium organizer “Patient centered interventions”. Advancing Nursing Practice Excellence: State of the Science. Washington, D.C. Sponsored by Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) .September 27, 2002. Research presentation.

Kehl, K.A. The family as the patient in end-of-life care. Paper in symposium “Patient centered interventions”. Advancing Nursing Practice Excellence: State of the Science. Washington, D.C. Sponsored by STTI. September 27, 2002. Research presentation.

Kehl, K.A. & Kirchhoff, K.T. Issues in Recruiting Bereaved Family Members. Paper in symposium, “Improving information for end-of-life care”. Advancing Nursing Practice Excellence: State of the Science. Washington, D.C. Sponsored by STTI. September 27, 2002. Research presentation.

RESEARCH TEAM AFFILIATION:

Kirchhoff Research Team