Emergency nurses' perceptions of the changes in the quality of death and distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the perceptions of emergency nurses regarding the changes in the quality of death and distress associated with care due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among the emergency nurses working in emergency departments in Japan. To recruit the participants, we sent a letter requesting participation to 1,048 nurses in the emergency departments (EDs) of 40 of the 290 hospitals nationwide. We evaluated the perceptions of the emergency nurses of the changes in the quality of death and distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 284 nurses out of 1,047 participated in the study and completed the questionnaire. The most commonly perceived change in the quality of death during the pandemic was related to the absence of a loved one at the time of death. The emergency nurses strongly agreed that the patients did not receive the best possible care, patients could not maintain their dignity as individuals, and families of the patients regretted that they could not do more to save their relationship. The ED nurses perceived that their capacity to provide appropriate end-of-life care had changed considerably during the pandemic, about which the nurses felt distressed. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented situation facing emergency nurses. Health authorities must assist emergency nurses in providing their patients with the desired end-of-life care services. At the same time, consideration should be given to the mental health of the emergency nurses, and psychological support should be provided.