Author(s)

Mena K. Agbodjavou^1*, Pierre C. Mêliho², Eric A. Akpi³, Adolphe C. Kpatchavi¹

¹Multidisciplinary Doctoral School Spaces, Cultures and Development, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
²Department of Livestock Systems Management and Exploitation, National School of Agriculture, Kétou, Benin.
³Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin.

This article focuses on a survey on the “therapeutic withdrawal” of diabetics and/or cancer patients living an end-of-life experience in Togo who have undergone a methodological transformation from a mixed method to a “tinkering” method integrating a narrative approach. The researcher’s immersion combined with narrative interviews provided a collection method based on a sense of trust that involved the researcher in the palliative support of these respondents, without impacting the objectivity of the data collected. This paper will discuss the methodological challenges that have disrupted the research process, how they have been circumvented, and the positive outcome that has emerged from this unforeseen pitfall. Overcoming these barriers inherent in this context where the provision of palliative care is struggling to enter the organization of formal health care provides a transferable research model in similar contexts.

Methodological Challenges, Makeshift Method, End of Life, Narrative Interview, Palliative Care

Agbodjavou, M. , Mêliho, P. , Akpi, E. and Kpatchavi, A. (2024) Using Methodological Dilemmas to Produce an Enriching Research Opportunity: Case of a Study on Therapeutic Withdrawal in End-of-Life Care in Togo. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 12, 160-175. doi: 10.4236/jss.2024.124012.