Pediatric Nurses’ Perceptions of Obstacles and Supportive Behaviors in End-of-Life Care
Keywords
nursing, pediatric, terminal care, aged
Abstract
Background: Each year 55 000 children die in the United States, and most of these deaths occur in hospitals. The barriers and supportive behaviors in providing end-of-life care to children should be determined.
Objective: To determine pediatric intensive care unit nurses' perceptions of sizes, frequencies, and magnitudes of selected obstacles and helpful behaviors in providing end-of-life care to children.
Method: A national sample of 1047 pediatric intensive care unit nurses who were members of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses were surveyed. A 76-item questionnaire adapted from 3 similar surveys with critical care, emergency, and oncology nurses was mailed to possible participants. Nurses who did not respond to the first mailing were sent a second mailing. Nurses were asked to rate the size and frequency of listed obstacles and supportive behaviors in caring for children at the end of life.
Results: A total of 474 usable questionnaires were received from 985 eligible respondents (return rate, 48%). The 2 items with the highest perceived obstacle magnitude scores for size and frequency means were language barriers and parental discomfort in withholding and/or withdrawing mechanical ventilation. The highest supportive behavior item was allowing time alone with the child when he or she has died.
Conclusions: Pediatric intensive care unit nurses play a vital role in caring for dying children and the children's families. Overcoming language and communication barriers with children's families and between interdisciplinary team members could greatly improve the end-of-life experience for dying children.
Original Publication Citation
Beckstrand, R. L., Rawle, N. L.*, Callister, L. C., & Mandleco, B. L. (2010). Pediatric nurses’ perceptions of obstacles and supportive behaviors in end-of-life care. American Journal of Critical Care, 19(6), 543-552. https://doi.org/10.4037/ajcc2009497
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Beckstrand, Renea L.; Rawle, Nicole L.; Callister, Lynn C.; and Mandleco, Barbara, "Pediatric Nurses’ Perceptions of Obstacles and Supportive Behaviors in End-of-Life Care" (2010). Faculty Publications. 6937.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/6937
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2010-11-01
Publisher
American Journal of Critical Care
Language
English
College
Nursing
Copyright Status
©2010 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
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