Perceptions of doctors and nurses regarding end of life decisions in ICU at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.
A qualitative study on Perceptions of doctors and nurses regarding End of Life decisions in Intensive Care Unit at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions of doctors and nurses regarding End of Life decisions in Intensive Care Unit. The study used an...
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| Format: | Other |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
2022
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| Online Access: | http://nkhokwe.kuhes.ac.mw/handle/20.500.12845/412 |
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Add Tag | Summary: | A qualitative study on Perceptions of doctors and nurses regarding End of Life decisions in Intensive Care Unit at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions of doctors and nurses regarding End of Life decisions in Intensive Care Unit. The study used an in-depth interview guide as a data collection tool. The study subjects were a sample of five doctors and five nurses. Purposive sampling of doctors and nurses who are or have work in Intensive Care Unit for at least 1-5 years were be legible for the study. Data collected was be analysed using content analysis. The study showed that doctors and nurses working in Intensive Care Unit are aware that they are the providers of End of Life care. Faced with a challenge of disease burden verses bed space, End of Life decisions are made often in Intensive Care Units. The doctors and nurses are emotionally affected when End of Life decisions are made. Despite this, they are left with no choice because the decisions have to be made. The findings also showed that there is fear of being sued in future for the End of Life decision made; the fears were as a result of 1 lack of policies on End of Life. Though the guardians are involved at a later stage of patients End of Life care, it is difficult for them to understand End of Life issues and for them to make informed end of life decisions. The Intensive Care Unit staff would appreciate the existence of an ethics committee and its participation in End of Life decisions. The findings showed that there is collaboration between doctors and nurse and each member has a role to play during End of Life decision making process. The researcher recommends that the Ministry of Health should spearhead the formulation of policies on End of Life. Hospitals in Malawi should form working ethics committees which are going to have an input on ethical issues in the hospital. Policies and procedures on End of Life should be in existence and reviewed periodically. |
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