Susan Slatyer1,2,3, Catherine Pienaar1,3, Anne M Williams2,3,4, Karen Proctor5, Laura Hewitt5. 1. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia. 2. Centre for Nursing Research, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia. 3. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia. 4. Health Research, School of Health Professions, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia. 5. Palliative Care Service, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences and perceptions of hospital staff caring for dying patients in a dedicated patient/family room (named Lotus Room). BACKGROUND: Dying in hospital is a common outcome for people across the world. However, noise and activity in acute environments present barriers to quality end-of-life care. This is of concern because care provided to dying patients has been shown to affect both the patients and the bereaved families. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 multidisciplinary staff and seven families provided information through an investigator-developed instrument. RESULTS: Qualitative data analysis generated three categories describing: Dying in an hospital; The Lotus Room; and the Outcomes for patients and families. The Lotus Room was seen as a large, private and, ultimately, safe space for patients and families within the public hospital environment. Family feedback supported staff perspectives that the Lotus Room facilitated family presence and communication. CONCLUSIONS: The privacy afforded by the Lotus Room within this acute hospital provided benefits for the dying patients and grieving families. Improved outcomes included a peaceful death for patients, which may have assisted the family with their bereavement. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study provides evidence of how the physical environment can address well-established barriers to quality end-of-life care in acute hospitals.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences and perceptions of hospital staff caring for dying patients in a dedicated patient/family room (named Lotus Room). BACKGROUND: Dying in hospital is a common outcome for people across the world. However, noise and activity in acute environments present barriers to quality end-of-life care. This is of concern because care provided to dying patients has been shown to affect both the patients and the bereaved families. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 multidisciplinary staff and seven families provided information through an investigator-developed instrument. RESULTS: Qualitative data analysis generated three categories describing: Dying in an hospital; The Lotus Room; and the Outcomes for patients and families. The Lotus Room was seen as a large, private and, ultimately, safe space for patients and families within the public hospital environment. Family feedback supported staff perspectives that the Lotus Room facilitated family presence and communication. CONCLUSIONS: The privacy afforded by the Lotus Room within this acute hospital provided benefits for the dying patients and grieving families. Improved outcomes included a peaceful death for patients, which may have assisted the family with their bereavement. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study provides evidence of how the physical environment can address well-established barriers to quality end-of-life care in acute hospitals.