Melissa Riegel1, Sue Randall2, Kristen Ranse3, Thomas Buckley4. 1. Adult Intensive Care Unit, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/@melissa_riegel. 2. Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/@SueRandallPHC. 3. School of Nursing & Midwifery and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, QLD, Australia. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/@KristenRanse. 4. Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: https://twitter.com/@TomBuckley6.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate values and experience with facilitating end-of-life care among intensive care professionals (registered nurses, medical practitioners and social workers) to determine perceived education and support needs. RESEARCH DESIGN: Using a cross-sectional study design, 96 professionals completed a survey on knowledge, preparedness, patient and family preferences, organisational culture, resources, palliative values, emotional support, and care planning in providing end-of-life care. SETTING: General adult intensive care unit at a tertiary referral hospital. RESULTS: Compared to registered nurses, medical practitioners reported lower emotional and instrumental support after a death, including colleagues asking if OK (p = 0.02), lower availability of counselling services (p = 0.01), perceived insufficient time to spend with families (p = 0.01), less in-service education for end-of-life topics (p = 0.002) and symptom management (p = 0.02). Registered nurses reported lower scores related to knowing what to say to the family in end-of-life care scenarios (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Findings inform strategies for practice development to prepare and support healthcare professionals to provide end-of-life care in the intensive care setting. Professionals reporting similar palliative care values and inclusion of patient and family preferences in care planning is an important foundation for planning interprofessional education and support with opportunities for professionals to share experiences and strengths. Crown
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate values and experience with facilitating end-of-life care among intensive care professionals (registered nurses, medical practitioners and social workers) to determine perceived education and support needs. RESEARCH DESIGN: Using a cross-sectional study design, 96 professionals completed a survey on knowledge, preparedness, patient and family preferences, organisational culture, resources, palliative values, emotional support, and care planning in providing end-of-life care. SETTING: General adult intensive care unit at a tertiary referral hospital. RESULTS: Compared to registered nurses, medical practitioners reported lower emotional and instrumental support after a death, including colleagues asking if OK (p = 0.02), lower availability of counselling services (p = 0.01), perceived insufficient time to spend with families (p = 0.01), less in-service education for end-of-life topics (p = 0.002) and symptom management (p = 0.02). Registered nurses reported lower scores related to knowing what to say to the family in end-of-life care scenarios (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Findings inform strategies for practice development to prepare and support healthcare professionals to provide end-of-life care in the intensive care setting. Professionals reporting similar palliative care values and inclusion of patient and family preferences in care planning is an important foundation for planning interprofessional education and support with opportunities for professionals to share experiences and strengths. Crown