This article introduces the primary beliefs about ancestor worship, Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism and traditional Chinese medicine that have influenced Chinese people for thousands of years, particularly in relation to death and dying. These cultures and traditions remain important for Chinese people wherever they live. Over a long period, Chinese people have integrated these philosophies and religions to form the basis of their culture and traditions. Although they agree that death is a natural part of the life span, a unique belief about death and dying has emerged among the Chinese from this integration. From this, the people find a significant definition of death and dying.

A decrease in the use of physical restraints in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) is an important indicator of quality of nursing care. This quasi-experimental study examined the effect on nurses of a session of continuing education aimed at reducing the use of restraints. At a medical center in southern Taiwan, 37 novice nurses were surveyed about their knowledge, perception, attitude and clinical practice of restraint use in 11 ICUs. Two instructors then taught a four-hour continuing education class on patient restraint standards, principles for reducing physical restraint use, and alternatives to restraining. Data were analyzed by paired t-test and the results of identical structured questionnaires which participants received before and after the lecture, showed that, afterwards, knowledge (t = -6.04, p < .01), perception (t = 4.76, p < .01), and attitude (t = 3.93, p < .01) toward restraint use had significantly improved . The continuing education improved the nurses' knowledge and attitude toward restraint use and may therefore enhance the quality of care provided to ICU patients.

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