A Qualitative Study of Perception and Experience Toward End-of-Life Care Among Nursing Students Who Witnessed Dying People in Their Family

Abstract

Introduction This study aims to explore nursing students’ perception and experience of end-of-life care (EoLC) in Indonesia, particularly in the family environment. Methods This study used a qualitative research design to explore the experiences and perceptions of nursing students who have witnessed the dying of their family members. The study recruited 15 nursing students using a purposive sampling method, who were then invited to reflect and write their experiences in witnessing death of their families, and perceptions towards EoLC. The written reflections were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Thematic analysis showed that the experience of witnessing dying of a family member shaped nursing students’ perceptions and attitudes towards EoLC. Some themes that emerged in this study included the importance of effective communication with patients and their families, symptom management, spiritual, emotional, and social support, as well as the need to improve nursing education and training. Conclusion This present study shows that the experience of witnessing the death of a family member shapes nursing students’ perceptions of EoLC in Indonesia. This present study provides recommendations that the students must be prepared emotionally and psychologically in caring EoL or dying patients. How attitude and readiness to care EoL patients are shaped by the experience in witnessing the dying family or loved one. As such, palliative and EoL curriculum should be included methods that allow desensitization and naturalization of dying for the students in order to make them ready to provide better EoLC for patients and their families. The results of this study can contribute to improving the quality of EoLC in Indonesia.

Response To: A Qualitative Study of Perception and Experience Toward End-of-Life Care Among Nursing Students Who Witnessed Dying People in Their Family [Response to Letter]

“…I would like to express my gratitude for taking the time to provide a thoughtful response to Weraman et al’s feedback in our article entitled “A Qualitative Study of Perception and Experience Toward End-of-Life Care Among Nursing Students Who Witnessed Dying People in Their Family.” 1 Their insights are truly appreciated, and I find their perspective valuable in enriching the discourse surrounding this topic.…”

Response to: A Qualitative Study of Perception and Experience Toward End-of-Life Care Among Nursing Students Who Witnessed Dying People in Their Family [Letter]

“…The article entitled “A Qualitative Study of Perception and Experience Toward End-of-Life Care Among Nursing Students Who Witnessed Dying People in Their Family” 1 really caught our attention. There are 3 advantages of this research: 1) reveals important findings namely the emotional impact of death on students, the importance of family presence and religious guidance during the death process, and the need for adequate support and preparation for nursing students in managing their emotions and providing end-of-life care effective; 2) has important practical implications for improving end-of-life care in Indonesia, which can be used to develop more effective education and training programs for students, as well as to increase attention to family presence and religious guidance in end-of-life care practice; 3) has global relevance, because students’ experiences and perceptions of end-of-life care can become relevant and important topics in various cultural and social contexts.…”

Uncovering Methods and Outcomes of Palliative Care for Geriatric Patients: A Scoping Review

“…Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare 2023:16 2914 patients, recognizing their physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. [63][64][65][66] This comprehensive approach promotes overall well-being, improves emotional resilience, and contributes to a greater sense of comfort and peace for patients as they navigate their end-of-life journey. [66][67][68] The comprehensive care program known as CAREFuL is specifically designed to improve the quality of care provided to geriatric patients nearing the end-of-life.…”