Perceptions of a “good death” in acute hospitals

Journal article


Oliver, T. and O'Connor, S. 2015. Perceptions of a “good death” in acute hospitals. Nursing Times. 111 (21), pp. 24-27.
AuthorsOliver, T. and O'Connor, S.
Abstract

Aim: This study reports the findings of the generalist nurses’ perceptions and experiences of a good death in an acute hospital setting.

Background: There are many papers written about healthcare professionals’ experiences of caring for dying patients in the hospice setting and more recently in care homes, but despite half of all deaths occurring in hospital there is a dearth of literature of general nurses experiences of caring for end of life patients on general hospital wards.

Method: An exploratory approach was taken using in-depth interviews involving 13 generalist nurses working in an acute hospital.

Results: Six themes were identified: communication/expected death; time (to care); environment; support; knowledge; symptom management.

Conclusion/Recommendations: The participants considered that failing to communicate a diagnosis of dying adversely affected the quality of death. Therefore the focus of future end of life care education needs to include how generalist nurses can facilitate communication and handle difficult questions to enable a good death for the patient and their family.

Key words: dying; good/bad death; hospital death; nurse perceptions.

Keywordsdying good death bad death hospital death nurse perceptions nurses' perceptions policy end of life care dying death
Year2015
JournalNursing Times
Journal citation111 (21), pp. 24-27
PublisherEMAP
ISSN0954-7762
Related URLhttp://www.nursingtimes.net/clinical-subjects/end-of-life-and-palliative-care/perceptions-of-a-good-death-in-acute-hospitals/5085092.article
Publication dates
Print20 May 2015
Publication process dates
Deposited10 May 2016
Accepted20 Mar 2015
Output statusPublished
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