Recognizing and acknowledging end-of-life for patients with cancer - a balancing act. A qualitative study of doctors' and nurses' experiences.
Eur J Oncol Nurs
; 71: 102654, 2024 Aug.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39003841
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Doctors and nurses are central in the challenging task of end-of-life (EOL) care, and this study aims to explore and describe doctors' and nurses' experiences of recognition and acknowledgment of the end of life for patients with cancer.METHODS:
A qualitative, explorative research design with individual interviews was carried out based on a semi-open interview guide. A total of 6 doctors and 6 nurses working in medical or surgical departments at a Norwegian University hospital were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.RESULTS:
The study's findings highlight that recognizing and acknowledging patients with cancer as being at end-of-life is a challenging process. Three subthemes emerged from the analysis; the significance of being experienced, the significance of organizational structures, and the significance of having a common understanding. A main theme was analyzed further and abstracted from the subthemes; Being safe to manage the balancing act of recognizing and acknowledging the end of life.CONCLUSIONS:
Much is at stake in the EOL setting, and healthcare professionals (HCP) must balance several aspects regarding EOL decisions. Striking the right balance in these situations is challenging. HCPs need a safety net through collaboration with, and support from, colleagues, supporting organizational structures and experience. Strengthening the safety net will have a clear impact on improving clinical practice to reduce futile treatment and provide high-quality EOL care for all dying patients in hospitals.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Assistência Terminal
/
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde
/
Pesquisa Qualitativa
/
Neoplasias
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Eur J Oncol Nurs
Assunto da revista:
ENFERMAGEM
/
NEOPLASIAS
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de publicação:
Reino Unido