Experiences of nurses, patient, and patient's family at end-of-life

Abstract EN

End-of- Life decisions is an important issue that family has to make over a relatively short period.

The transition from the phase of hoping for the patient’s recovery to the phase of deciding to withdraw life support does not leave the family with enough time to mentally prepare for the death.

Provision of information, at end of life situation is necessary to prepare families and their patient for the events that occur before death.

Because families wish to know about this issue, it is important for health care providers to recognize their need for information and preparation.

Good communication between physicians, nurses, patients, and families will increase comfort and satisfaction during this stressful period.

Nurses can play significant role in the improvement of communication between health care provider and patients' family.

Clear communication and honest discussion among physicians, nurses, and family members give the family opportunity to understand the patient's condition and consequently facilitate the decision making process.

End-of-life decisions are influenced by many factors, presence of life threatening illnesses, family issues, social and cultural factors, values, beliefs, and poor expected quality of life.