J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2016 May;23(2):172-183. 10.7739/jkafn.2016.23.2.172.

Experience of Life-sustaining Treatment in Patient Care among Intensive Care Unit Nurses: Phenomenological Approach

• Lee SJ
• Kim HY

• KMID: 2164839
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7739/jkafn.2016.23.2.172

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore the subjective experience of life-sustaining treatment care among nurses in intensive care units.
METHODS
A phenomenology was used for the study. Data were collected from October to December, 2015 using open-ended questions during in-depth interviews. Participants were nurses working in intensive care units and were contacted through purposive techniques. Eight nurses participated in this study.
RESULTS
Four categories emerged from the analysis using Colaizzi's method: (a) difficulties due to life-sustaining treatment care, (b) dilemma of extension or cessation of life-sustaining treatment, (c) repressed feelings and emotional exhaustion, and (d) forming values for life-sustaining treatment from nursing experience
CONCLUSION
Provision of clearer guidelines on life-sustaining treatment which reflect a family-oriented culture is important for nurses in ICU and will promote nurses involvement in the decision-making process of life-sustaining treatment of patients.

Keyword

Intensive care units; Terminal care; Nursing

MeSH Terms

Critical Care*
Humans
Intensive Care Units*
Methods
Nursing
Patient Care*
Terminal Care