Nurses' Challenges in End-Of-Life Care: Aesthetic Expression of Lived Worlds

Abstract

Background: When providing end-of-life care, nurses are faced with challenges related to the dying process. Aesthetic concepts exert a more profound influence than empirical evidence or logical reasoning. However, while the aesthetic aspect in end-of-life care demonstrates the inherent beauty of nursing, there are few manifestations of aesthetics to express the professional challenges in end-of-life care as experienced by nurses. Aim: This study aimed to investigate and elucidate the lived experiences of the professional challenges encountered by nurses in end-of-life care. Design: A hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative study was employed. Methods: This study was conducted from September to December 2023 in China. The purposive sampling method was used to recruit ten registered hospice nurses engaged in end-of-life care in a hospital. Data collection involved ‘Storytelling and Drawing Technique’ followed by focus group discussion. van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used in the data analysis. Results: Essential themes were grouped based on existential themes of van Manen's four lived worlds, delineating: (1) Lived body: insufficient comprehension depth; (2) Lived space: unfavourable ambiance within the ward setting; (3) Lived time: negative impact of traditional culture; and (4) Lived human relations: intricacies inherent in decision-making dynamics. Conclusion: After understanding the challenges of nurses in end-of-life care reflected by aesthetic expressions, proactive steps can be taken to address these issues and thereby facilitate a positive transformation. Reporting Method: The authors have adhered to Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research(COREQ) Standards. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution.