Oncology Nurses' Obstacles and Supportive Behaviors in End-of-Life Care: Providing Vital Family Care
Keywords
end-of-life care, oncology, cancer, nursing
Abstract
Purpose/Objectives: To determine the impact of obstacles and supportive behaviors in end-of-life (EOL) care as perceived by hospital-based oncology nurses.
Design: A 69-item mailed survey.
Setting: National random sample.
Sample: 1,005 nurse members of the Oncology Nursing Society who had provided EOL care for patients with cancer.
Methods: Three mailings yielded 380 usable responses from 912 eligible respondents, resulting in a 42% return rate.
Main Research Variables: Size and frequency of EOL care obstacles and supportive behaviors for patients with cancer in a hospital setting.
Findings: Results of this research demonstrate the need for more EOL education and help in forming teams of nurses, social and palliative care workers, and physicians to support high-quality care. Another finding was the need for other nurses at a facility to give the nurse caring for the dying patient more time to support the patient and family.
Conclusions: Dealing with the family is vital in providing optimal EOL care to patients dying from cancer. By carefully listening to the experience, concerns, and recommendations of hospital-based oncology nurses, compassionate EOL care can be provided to these patients and their families.
Implications for Nursing: Oncology nurses are dedicated to providing the best EOL care to their patients and patients' families. This study helped to identify research-based obstacles and supportive behaviors regarding the provision of high-quality EOL care.
Original Publication Citation
Beckstrand, R. L., Collett, J.**, Callister, L. C., & Luthy, K. E. (2012). Oncology nurses’ obstacles and supportive behaviors in end-of-life care: Providing vital family care. Oncology Nursing Forum, 39(5), e398-e406.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Beckstrand, Renea L.; Collette, Joan; Callister, Lynn; and Luthy, Karlen E. (Beth), "Oncology Nurses' Obstacles and Supportive Behaviors in End-of-Life Care: Providing Vital Family Care" (2012). Faculty Publications. 5234.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/5234
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2012-9
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7968
Publisher
Oncology Nursing Forum
Language
English
College
Nursing
Copyright Status
© 2012 by the Oncology Nursing Society.
Copyright Use Information
http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/