title: End-of-life care in the intensive care setting: a descriptive exploratory qualitative study of nurses' beliefs and practices.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  End-of-life care is a significant component of work in intensive care. Limited research has been undertaken on the provision of end-of-life care by nurses in the intensive care setting. The purpose of this study was to explore the end-of-life care beliefs and practices of intensive care nurses.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive exploratory qualitative research approach was used to invite a convenience sample of five intensive care nurses from one hospital to participate in a semi-structured interview. Interview transcripts were analysed using an inductive coding approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three major categories emerged from analysis of the interviews: beliefs about end-of-life care, end-of-life care in the intensive care context and facilitating end-of-life care. The first two categories incorporated factors contributing to the end-of-life care experiences and practices of intensive care nurses. The third category captured the nurses' end-of-life care practices.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite the uncertainty and ambiguity surrounding end-of-life care in this practice context, the intensive care setting presents unique opportunities for nurses to facilitate positive end-of-life experiences and nurses valued their participation in the provision of end-of-life care. Care of the family was at the core of nurses' end-of-life care work and nurses play a pivotal role in supporting the patient and their family to have positive and meaningful experiences at the end-of-life. Variation in personal beliefs and organisational support may influence nurses' experiences and the care provided to patients and their families. Strategies to promote an organisational culture supportive of quality end-of-life care practices, and to mentor and support nurses in the provision of this care are needed.
authors.affiliation: Queensland University of Technology, Australia. Kristen.Ranse@canberra.edu.au
authors.forename: Kristen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ranse
authors.forename: Patsy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yates
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Coyer
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D033262:Narration; D057184:Practice Patterns, Nurses'; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D013727:Terminal Care; D035501:Uncertainty