Critical care nurses' perceptions of obstacles, supports, and knowledge needed in providing quality end-of-life care

Document Type

Article

Abstract

In response to critical care nurses' perceptions of increasing stress and conflict in difficult end-of-life (EOL) situations, the researchers conducted a study to identify perceived obstacles, supports, and knowledge needed to provide quality EOL care. The conclusions were as follows: (1) families and patients need clear, direct, and consistent information to make EOL decisions; (2) physician-related issues affect nurses' ability to provide quality EOL care; (3) critical care nurses need more knowledge, skill, and a sense of cultural competency to provide quality care; and (4) having properly completed advance directives can reduce confusion about the goals of care. Recommendations for improving EOL care were made as a result of the study. Copyright © 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Department(s)

Nursing

Publication Title

Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing

Volume

29

Issue

6

First Page

297

Last Page

306

Publication Date

11-1-2010

DOI

10.1097/DCC.0b013e3181f0c43c

ISSN

07304625

E-ISSN

15388646

PubMed ID

20940587

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