Korean J Hosp Palliat Care.  2012 Mar;15(1):18-29.

Types of Perception toward End-of-Life Medical Decision-making of Clinical Nurses: Q-Methodological Approach

• Jo KH
• Kim YJ
• Sohn KC

Abstract

PURPOSE
We analyzed how clinical nurses in Korea perceive terminally ill patients' medical decision-making.
METHODS
The Q-methodology which analyzes the subjectivity of each item was used. We selected 34 Q-statements among those provided by each of 37 subjects and grouped them into a shape of normal distribution using a 9 point scale. The collected data were analyzed using a QUANL PC program.
RESULTS
Four types of perception toward medical decision-making were identified. Type I focuses on patient participation, and Type II emphasizes the role of health professionals. Type III is characterized by an open-minded culture toward death, and Type IV values the role of family members.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study indicate the need for development of a multi-disciplinary curriculum medical decision-making and death for medical and nursing students.

Keyword

Nurses; Perception; Medicine; Decision making; Methods

MeSH Terms

Curriculum
Decision Making
Health Occupations
Humans
Korea
Patient Participation
Students, Nursing
Terminally Ill