Nurses’ experiences of the family’s role in end-of-life care

Abstract

Background: Family units can be deeply affected and require nurses’ attention and care when their loved ones reach the end-of-life stage. However, the role of the family in end-of-life nursing is under-researched in a tertiary hospital setting.

Aim: This study aims to explore and describe nurses’ lived experiences of the family’s role in end-of-life care at a tertiary hospital in the Western Cape.

Setting: The study took place in a tertiary hospital in the Western Cape.

Methods: A qualitative hermeneutic design with a phenomenological approach was used. Ten professional nurses were interviewed in person, and two focus groups comprised enrolled and auxiliary nurses (11) with a minimum of 6 months of experience in end-of-life care. Data analysis was conducted by categorising qualitative information into codes and themes, following Creswell’s outlined methodology.

Results: Three themes emerged: emotional challenges associated with families of end-of-life patients, strategies that assist families and impediments to providing care. Participants experienced challenges managing strong emotions expressed by families and their own, but provided care regardless. Strategies that have been found to be helpful to families include communication, access, and involving them in patient care. Participants experienced the need for emotional support and specialised end-of-life training.

Conclusion: Participants strive to provide understanding and support to families despite challenges, but emotional and end-of-life training resources are required to equip nurses to address patients’ and families’ needs competently.

Contribution: This study adds the nurses’ experience and understanding of the family’s role in providing end-of-life care in a tertiary hospital.