Nurses' Experiences in End-of-Life Care in the PICU: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Nurs Sci Q. 2019 Jan;32(1):12-22. doi: 10.1177/0894318418807936.

Abstract

The experiences of end-of-life care by nurses in the pediatric intensive care unit are the subject of this systematic review. Six qualitative articles from three different countries were chosen for the review using methods from Joanna Briggs Institute. The themes discovered included the following: insufficient communication, emotional burden, moral distress from medical futility, strengthening resilience, and taking steps toward hospice. These themes are discussed in detail followed by recommendations for practice to assist nurses in their quest for a good death for their pediatric patients.

Keywords: PICU; end-of-life care; experience; qualitative systematic review.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units, Pediatric / organization & administration
  • Intensive Care Units, Pediatric / standards
  • Nurses / psychology*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Terminal Care / psychology*
  • Terminal Care / standards