Att vårda patienter i livets slutskede : En allmän litteraturöversikt om sjuksköterskors erfarenheter

Background: The purpose of palliative care is relieving the patient's symptoms and pain. The primary goal is to improve the quality of life and well-being of patients. Previous research showed that patients and their family experienced suffering when communication and acknowledgment and concern for their problems were omitted. Participation, integrity and honest communication were described as essential to high-quality palliative care. Aim: To provide an overview of registered nurse’s experiences in caring for patients at the end of life. Method: A general literature review of a total of eleven articles, including six qualitative, three quantitative and two studies with both qualitative and quantitative approach. Results: Three themes were revealed: caring based on a holistic perspective, to converse with the patient, and need for education in palliative care. Nurses cared for patients based on a holistic approach, which included many aspects. Nurses faced difficulties to comfort and conversing with patients at end of life.Lack of knowledge led to frustration and inability to meet all patient’s needs. Conclusion: Nurses fulfilled the purpose of palliative care using a holistic care approach. The challenge to converse and lack of knowledge could be related to patient’s experience of not being acknowledged.