Registered Nurses’ Experiences with Family Members of Patients Receiving End-of-Life Care in Health Centre Wards: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To describe registered nurses’ experiences of interactions with family members of patients receiving end-of-life care in health centre wards. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist to ensure proper reporting. Data were collected using individual semi structured interviews with registered nurses (n = 20) working in health centre wards and analysed using inductive content analysis. Results: Registered nurses’ experiences with family members were described as providing comprehensive support to family members, including emotional and informational support for families and understanding the importance of a registered nurse’s expertise in this support. Additionally, experiences were described as facilitating family involvement in patient care by supporting both family participation in the patient’s daily care and family involvement in care decisions. Conclusions: Healthcare systems should support family-centred end-of-life care by promoting education, clinical support, mentorship, and access to experienced nursing expertise, while addressing organisational barriers that may limit family involvement. Clear guidelines are needed to support communication and decision-making in situations involving disagreements regarding care or conflicts between patients’ wishes and family members’ needs. Keywords: nursing, qualitative research, end-of-life care, palliative care, family-centred care, inpatients, primary care