Work

Palliative Care Environments in an Acute Hospital for End‐Of‐Life Care—Perspectives of Patients, Next of Kin and Healthcare Professionals

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: The aim of this study is to explore the perspectives of patients, next of kin and healthcare professionals on planning a new end-of-life room in a department of surgery in an acute hospital. DESIGN: Qualitative study. METHODS: Between January and March 2023, 20 individual semi-structured interviews were conducted at the REDACTED. Participants included seven seriously ill and dying patients, three next of a kin and ten health care professionals. The interviews focused on identifying key elements that participants deemed important in an end-of-life room during the final days of life. FINDINGS: Data analysis revealed two main themes: 'Lively physical surroundings' and 'Human and medical competencies' of the health care professionals. The findings highlight a shared understanding among participants of the importance of lively physical surroundings, including aesthetics, connections to nature, appropriate lighting and the creation of a homely atmosphere. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Although patients and next of kin were not involved in the planning of the study due to ethical considerations, nurses working on the ward contributed valuable insights during the study's design. Their input helped ensure the relevance and feasibility of the research in a clinical setting. REPORTING METHOD: COREQ was used as aguideline.

Source: Nursing Open

DOI: 10.1002/nop2.70225

Authors: Dorte Buchwald, Cecilie Hübner, Louise Sofia Madsen, Dorte Melgaard

Institutions: North Denmark Region, Central Denmark Region, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg University

Language: English

Topic: Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,390