End-of-life care in the intensive care setting: A descriptive exploratory qualitative study of nurses’ beliefs and practices

Abstract

Despite the uncertainty and ambiguity surrounding end-of-life care in this practice context, the intensive care setting presents unique opportunities for nurses to facilitate positive end-of-life experiences and nurses valued their participation in the provision of end-of-life care. Care of the family was at the core of nurses' end-of-life care work and nurses play a pivotal role in supporting the patient and their family to have positive and meaningful experiences at the end-of-life. Variation in personal beliefs and organisational support may influence nurses' experiences and the care provided to patients and their families. Strategies to promote an organisational culture supportive of quality end-of-life care practices, and to mentor and support nurses in the provision of this care are needed.

Breaking Bad News in Ethnic Settings: Perspectives of Patients and Families in Northern Sri Lanka

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Families’ experiences of their interactions with staff in an Australian intensive care unit (ICU): A qualitative study

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