Susann Strang1, Ingrid Bergh2, Kristina Ek3, Kina Hammarlund3, Charlotte Prahl3, Lars Westin4, Jane Österlind4, Ingela Henoch5. 1. Associate Professor, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Box 457, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden, and Angered Local Hospital, Sweden. 2. Professor, University of Skövde, School of Life Sciences, Sweden. 3. Senior Lecturer, University of Skövde, School of Life Sciences, Sweden. 4. Senior Lecturer, Ersta Sköndal University College and Ersta Hospital, Palliative Research Centre, Stockholm, Sweden, and Department of Health Care Sciences, Ersta Sköndal University College, Sweden. 5. Associate Professor, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sweden, and University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Abstract
AIM: To describe nursing students' reasoning about emotionally demanding questions concerning the care of dying patients. METHODS: The Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying (FATCOD) Scale was completed by students at the beginning of their education, and there was great variation in the responses to five items. At a follow-up measurement in the second year, an open-ended question, 'How did you reason when completing this question?', was added to each of the these five items. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the responses. RESULTS: Of 140 students who completed the FATCOD, 111 provided free-text responses. The analysis of these responses revealed three themes: death perceptions, the students' understanding of their current situation, and the nurse's responsibility. CONCLUSION: This study provides useful information on students' reasoning about emotionally demanding questions relating to the care of dying patients. Such knowledge is valuable in helping students to overcome their fear and fulfil their expectations concerning their future proficiency.
AIM: To describe nursing students' reasoning about emotionally demanding questions concerning the care of dying patients. METHODS: The Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying (FATCOD) Scale was completed by students at the beginning of their education, and there was great variation in the responses to five items. At a follow-up measurement in the second year, an open-ended question, 'How did you reason when completing this question?', was added to each of the these five items. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the responses. RESULTS: Of 140 students who completed the FATCOD, 111 provided free-text responses. The analysis of these responses revealed three themes: death perceptions, the students' understanding of their current situation, and the nurse's responsibility. CONCLUSION: This study provides useful information on students' reasoning about emotionally demanding questions relating to the care of dying patients. Such knowledge is valuable in helping students to overcome their fear and fulfil their expectations concerning their future proficiency.