A Descriptive Exploratory Qualitative Study of Nurses’ Beliefs and Practices on End-of Life Care:

Nurses’ Beliefs and Practices in the Intensive Care Setting

Abstract

Objective: This study sought to develop a theory based on constructivism that described the experiences of nurses in caring for patients at the end of their life. The researchers endeavored to gather in-depth qualitative information of the participants’ cultural beliefs and practices that influenced their personal beliefs about dying and nursing practices related to the care of patients at the end-of-life.

Method: The study utilized a qualitative descriptive exploratory research approach allowing for further understanding of the topic being explored and for the participants to contribute to the development of new knowledge in the area of EOL care. Data analysis was guided by the Grounded Theory method of Charmaz (2008). Data were collected through an interview among invited convenient samples of ICU nurses who were also participants of the CCNAPI webinar course and who represented various regions in the country. The intent was to investigate a phenomenon to have a better understanding of the existing beliefs and practices of Filipino nurses providing EOL care to ICU patients

Result: There were 4 subthemes related to Pagkalinga (Care) and there were 5 subthemes that supported Pagdamay (Compassion). Three of the subthemes that identify with Pagkalinga namely Mixed Emotion, Attachment and Advocacy, and Spiritual Surrender are all Personal in category while the subtheme Collaboration and Communication is of an Institutional category. Moreover, three of the subthemes that support Pagdamay all belong to the Patient and Family category; only Caring Challenges belonging to a Personal category and Enhancing Institutional EOLC.

Discussion (The General Theory): The participants’ personal experiences of EOLC resulted in the thematic analysis providing the foundation for analyzing qualitative data to support the emerging theory of “Pagkalinga and Pagdamay” (Care and Compassion). It is in this light that the emerging theory developed from the values of caring and compassion is expected to engender a competent EOLC practice

Conclusion: The study concludes that a successful or dignified death experience is not an individual enterprise but a collaborative endeavor among the care giver (nurse), care receiver (patient and family), and care protector (system or institution), guided by a strong value system where the moral principles of Pagkalinga and Pagdamay are primordial in achieving desired goals such as a dignified closure to life and a successful death experience.