Happiness in Hospice Care in The Netherlands: A Case Study Design

Happiness is central in spirituality but has hardly been explored in palliative care. The objective of this study is to explore happiness in hospice care in the Netherlands. A case study design consisting of participatory observations and semi-structured interviews was used. Happiness was associated with all dimensions of health. Patients spoke about a growing receptivity and a deepening of connections with themselves and others. Hospice staff related their happiness to feeling a true connection and their work supported them in appreciating their own lives in new ways. This study suggests that happiness can be found in settings that are frequently associated with suffering.