Factors associated with good death for end-of-life patients in the intensive care unit based on nurses’ perspectives: A systematic review

Abstract

Background

Ensuring a good death in the intensive care unit (ICU) is crucial due to high global mortality rates. Despite the central role of nurses in end-of-life care, existing reviews often focus on patients or families and overlook nurses’ perspectives.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the factors associated with a good death for end-of-life patients in the ICU based on nurses’ perspectives by systematically summarizing current evidence.

Methods

The researchers utilized a systematic review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO. Databases searched included Scopus, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria covered English-language quantitative studies published from the inception until February 20, 2024, that reported factors influencing a good death from the perspective of ICU nurses, and were available in full text. The exclusion criteria included studies with mixed participants if separate analyses for nurses were not provided. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies, and a narrative synthesis was performed.

Results

Five high-quality studies were included, involving 1,654 ICU nurses with an average age between 28.64 and 41.40 years, predominantly female (54.8 % to 91 %). Identified factors included nurses’ personal factors, nurses’ job characteristics, nurses’ clinical competence in end-of-life care, and process of healthcare.

Conclusions

The review highlights the vital factor influencing a good death from ICU nurses’ perspectives. Awareness of personal and job-related factors, along with enhanced clinical competence in end-of-life care, are essential for supporting patients to achieve a good death.

Implications for Clinical Practice

ICU nurses can enhance their clinical competence in end-of-life care. Hospital managers should take into account nurses’ work experience when assigning staff and consider implementing fixed shifts. Future research should explore these factors globally and develop interventions to support a good death in the ICU.