International journal of palliative nursing最新文献

Background: Trusting relationships between family members and healthcare professionals are essential in palliative care.

Aims: The aim was to investigate family members' experiences of healthcare professionals' approach toward them in a specialised palliative home care context.

Methods: Data from family members of patients in palliative home care were used. This cross-sectional survey study is part of a larger research project focusing on family members' experiences of their encounters with healthcare professionals in different care contexts in Sweden. Descriptive statistics were used to present the characteristics of the sample and study variables. Deductive and inductive analysis of the open-ended questions were performed.

Findings and conclusion: The results show that family members had an overall positive experience regarding the approach of healthcare professionals. They reported being met with openness, confirmation and co-operation. Overall, the results contribute important knowledge for clinical care, as well as healthcare education.

Background: Competency in palliative care is necessary to support the adequate quality of care of patients.

Aim: To describe the self-evaluated level of competence of clinical nursing staff and supervisors' evaluations of staff competence in non-specialist palliative care settings.

Methods: A web-based questionnaire provided a cross-sectional nationwide sample of answers.

Findings: A total of 587 answers were analysed. Clinical nurses rated their competence lowest in the themes of communication and advance care planning (ACP). ACP was among the lowest scoring themes for supervisors' evaluations of staff competence. Similarly, the highest scoring themes for both groups included the theme evaluating symptom care and assessment. In this theme, competencies related to psychological and existential suffering scored lowest.

Conclusion: This study provides an overview of nurses' PC competencies and highlighted some of the weaknesses they recognise. These shortcomings include evaluating and treating psychological and existential suffering, legal aspects of decision making and competencies related to ACP.

Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care.

Background: Women receiving palliative chemotherapy for breast cancer have various support needs.

Aims: To identify and describe the nurse-led interventions implemented to support women receiving palliative chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Methods: The five-stage framework by Arksey and O'Malley guided the review. The following databases were searched: PubMed, CINAHL complete, ProQuest and SCOPUS for articles published from 2012 to 2021. Retrieved data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analyses.

Findings: A total of 110 articles were identified but only six were included. Nurse-led interventions were reported from five countries and they were: Japan, USA, Australia, China, South Korea and Australia.

Conclusion: Interventions to support women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer were reported from five countries, with none from Africa. A study on the interventions to support women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer in Africa is recommended.

Background: Cancer is a global health concern with significant implications for a patient's wellbeing. Maintaining a good quality of life (QOL) is a substantial challenge for patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life and psychological problems of patients with cancer at the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital in Bangladesh.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2021 to February 2022. A total of 354 patients with cancer were interviewed via the following convenience sampling technique. Data were collected via a face-to-face interview via the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items for assessment of quality of life. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS version 23.0.

Results: No respondent reported experiencing complete physical wellbeing, with only 9.88% experiencing full general wellbeing. Likewise, just 27.1% reported above-average psychological wellbeing, only 7.1% achieving complete mental health. Depression, sadness, fears of recurrence, rejection and functional disability were pervasive, significantly affecting social activities. Economic self-sufficiency and overall social wellbeing were universally compromised. Despite these adversities, most patients received strong support from both family and doctors, who provided essential information and a supportive environment for sharing their concerns.

Conclusion: Patients with cancer endure pronounced physical, psychological and financial hardships that co-occur and erode overall quality of life. These results call for integrated palliative care strategies including symptom management, mental health support and economic assistance to effectively alleviate the multifaceted burdens they face.

Background: Viewing the deceased person is an integral part of hospital-based bereavement care and support. To date, research to guide this practice is scarce.

Aim: To describe and interpret the bereaved family lived experience of an in-hospital supported viewing service situated in an acute hospital facility in the UK. A specific objective was to uncover and examine personal reflections on the choices and care provided.

Methods: A qualitative exploratory design involving telephone interviews with ten family members, bereaved of an adult relative. Data were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results: Three group experiential themes and seven subthemes were developed from the data. Thematic findings provide insights into the context of viewing and family care, informed choice and the reasons behind a decision to view, personal preferences, observations and reactions to viewing, the intimacy of the viewing experience and the hallmarks of quality care.

Conclusion: The acute hospital, as a core provider of end-of-life care requires a workforce who are skilled to provide practical and relational care after death. The quality of care in preparing and presenting the deceased person for viewing, the ambience of the viewing facility and a compassionate, person-centred approach appeared central to a positive viewing experience. Consideration should be given to the supportive role of a specialist bereavement nurse and interprofessional team contributions to viewing practices and care.

Background: This scoping review identifies what is known about patient/partner sexuality and intimacy needs during end-of-life care and how healthcare professionals' (HCPs) approach these needs.

Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR, articles available in English published between 2010-2024 were screened.

Results: A total of 18 articles were included in the review. Four themes were identified: 1) negative impact of serious illness on sexuality and intimacy, 2) barriers and facilitators to addressing sexuality, 3) tension between expansive and genital-focused approaches to sexuality and intimacy, and 4) a disconnect between patient/partner needs and HCP preparation.

Discussion: Patient/partner sexuality and intimacy needs were consistent across cultural context and over time. HCPs require clear and comprehensive training to improve their ability to address sexuality and intimacy during end-of-life care. Taking an expansive view of sexuality and intimacy during this time may facilitate HCP interventions.

Background: Bereavement groups offering support to people after a loss can be adapted and conducted in alternative ways due to societal crises. This study aimed to explore the experiences of bereaved people participating in in-person bereavement groups during the pandemic, as an illustration of how offering bereavement support can be adapted in response to societal crises.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using content analysis.

Findings: The main category identified was 'the need to tell my story in times of isolation' emphasising the need to meet others in in-person meetings. Five sub-categories emerged: 'supportive storytelling for myself and for others', 'impact of the pandemic', 'role of the counsellors', 'homogeneity and design of the groups' and 'life after bereavement groups'.

Conclusion: Participants were clear that they preferred in-person bereavement groups. Meetings outdoors were made possible through the counsellors' prudence and imagination. Increased support from healthcare providers can reduce prolonged grief.

Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care.