The scientist, Christopher Kerr He put aside his career as a doctor to study critically ill patients who, before dying, see their loved ones. deceased.
Kerr is a doctor, specialist in cardiology and with a doctorate in Neurobiology.
After an experience with a terminal patient, who saw her deceased son and acted carrying him in her armshe specialist decided to change his field to investigate this causeBBC slogan.
According to the media, during the stage prior to death, It is strange to believe that it is possible to see a deceased person. Well, some doctors indicate that it can be typical of the patient’s delirium and medical process.
However, after the first situation with the patient, Kerr is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on the study of end of life experiencesas is the correct name to refer to this processBBC slogan.
According to the researcher, these experiences They usually begin weeks before death, and increase in frequency as the end approaches.
Kerr indicates that over the years, It is a witness to moments where people relived important moments in their lives.
Scientific study
Christopher began a study on this topic in the United States in 2010.
The researcher conducted a formal survey, with a scientific approach, where the patients were interviewed and examined.
Specifically, the study focuses on the frequency with which end-of-life experiences occur.
“How long before death, what topics does the person mention, what they feel or how it impacts the families,” it is explained.
All these results They have already been published in scientific articles, however, Kerr does not find a definitive scientific answer.to explain these experiences.
End of life experiences in patients
The researcher spoke with BBC News, and talked about this process, how it is seen in patients and those close to them.
Regarding his investigations and the information he managed to collect, it was known that About 88% of people reported having such an experience.
“Our rate is probably higher than what is normally reported, because the difference in our study is that we ask (patients) every day“He explained to the BBC.
This is possible since Kerr is CEO of Hospice & Palliative Carean organization that provides palliative care in Buffalo, New York.
Regarding the topics that patients address, people indicated those travel-related, usually involving people they loved and lost.
Seeing your loved ones deceased, It gives patients greater comfort when facing this process, explains the researcher.
The previous point is key to differentiate it from delirium. According to Keer, the latter It causes people discomfort and fear.
Instead, Patients’ end-of-life experiences are comforting and calming.
Finally, the doctor addressed what this process causes in families. “What is good for the patient is also good for their loved ones,” he explained.
