A conceptual analysis of the meaning of comfort at the end-of-life using the Walker and Avant (2014) Framework

Yong-Chao Hou,Ju-Zi Wang,Fiona Timmins,Qian Zhou

doi:10.2478/fon-2021-0011

Yong-Chao Hou, Ju-Zi Wang + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2478/fon-2021-0011

Copy DOI

Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of the authors is to clarify the concept of comfort at the end-of-life in order to support understandings of fundamental nursing care needed at this stage of healthcare. Methods The Walker and Avant framework was applied to develop a deeper understanding of the concept of comfort at the end of life. Results Five defining attributes of comfort in the end-of-life were identified and they are having a peaceful home-life environment, trust and consolation, proximity and social-cultural support, alleviation of suffering, and a process of integrated intervention by nurses. Conclusions At the end-of-life patients commonly experience physical, psychological, social-cultural, and environmental discomfort. Patients’ families also encounter significant challenges. However, their comfort needs are often secondary to that of the patient. Additionally, a lack of clarity exists regarding the holistic meaning of comfort at the end-of-life, which can largely be confined to understandings of physical comfort for the patient, with a limited understanding of addressing family/caregivers’ needs. Therefore, this concept analysis may provide some guidance in this regard and also provides support toward a more integrated understanding of the concept.

Highlights

IntroductionEnd-of-life care is a distinct, prominent, and common stage of modern health care delivery.[1] Providing comfort to patients at their end of life is one of the most important considerations for nurses during this period.[2,3] While it may be difficult for patients to reach a peaceful, serene state in the final stages of life,[3] patients and families expect the nurses to deliver care intended to helping them to be comfortable and they may be distressed if this is not achieved.[4] nurses have the responsibility and opportunity to
Despite advances in healthcare, end-of-life care is a distinct, prominent, and common stage of modern health care delivery.[1]
The concept analysis clearly demonstrates that engaging family members in the process of end-of-life care facilitates strengthens the effects of the comforting interventions by the nurse.[11]

Summary

Introduction

End-of-life care is a distinct, prominent, and common stage of modern health care delivery.[1] Providing comfort to patients at their end of life is one of the most important considerations for nurses during this period.[2,3] While it may be difficult for patients to reach a peaceful, serene state in the final stages of life,[3] patients and families expect the nurses to deliver care intended to helping them to be comfortable and they may be distressed if this is not achieved.[4] nurses have the responsibility and opportunity to. How to cite this article: Hou YC, Timmins F, Zhou Q, Wang JZ. A conceptual analysis of the meaning of comfort at the end-of-life using the Walker and Avant (2014) Framework.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion