End-of-life care: an educational intervention for rural nurses in southeastern USA.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of three educational presentations as an intervention for increasing knowledge of end-of-life care for rural nurses in assisted living and nursing home environments.


METHODS
A repeated measures design (quantitative component) evaluated the effects of the educational intervention. Two open-ended questions yielded qualitative data.


METHODS
A convenience sample (n = 9) of Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses employed in an assisted living facility or nursing home in the rural, southeastern region of the USA. Level of nursing experience ranged from 6 to 28 years.


METHODS
Frequency distributions, difference of means test for paired samples.


RESULTS
Post test scores were significantly higher (t = 6.999; p < 0.001) than pretest scores regarding overall knowledge on end-of-life care. Attitudes and perceptions of participants changed in defining what constitutes a 'good death'.


CONCLUSIONS
Classroom educational presentations are an effective means of changing attitudes and improving end-of-life care knowledge. Additional education and support for rural nursing personnel involved with residents of long-term care may enhance end-of-life care.
Easom
Leisa R
LR
Macon State College, Division of Nursing and Health Sciences, 100 College Station Drive, Macon, Georgia 31206 USA. leasom@mail.MaconState.edu
Galatas
Steven
S
Warda
Mariaf
M
D000328:Adult; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities; D001293:Attitude to Death; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education*; D010166:Palliative Care; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012945:Social Values; D015144:Southeastern United States