Factors influencing Intensive Care Units nurses in end-of-life decisions

Abstract

Objective: To identify the factors that influence the Intensive Care Unit nurse in the decision-making process in end-of-life situations. Method: Ethnographic case study, which used the theoretical framework of medical anthropology. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 nurses. Results: The inductive thematic analysis enabled us to identify four themes: The cultural context of the Intensive Care Unit: decision-making in situations of end-of-life; Beliefs and subjectivity of care in end-oflife situations; Professional experience and context characteristics of end-of-life care situations; and Humanization practices in end-of-life situations: the patient and family centered care. Conclusion: Professional maturity, the ability to transmit information and the ability to negotiate are directly related to the inclusion of nurses in the decision-making process.