Concept analysis of end-of-life care competency of long-term-care-hospital nurses: Using a hybrid model

Abstract

Purpose: This study identified the attributes and indicators of end-of-life nursing competency in long-term-care-hospital nurses and clarified the definition of the concept. Methods: The Competency Outcomes Performance Assessment model was used as a conceptual framework, and conceptual analysis was performed using the hybrid model presented by Schwartz-Barcott and Kim. In the theoretical phase, the attributes of end-of-life care competencies were explored through a literature review. In the fieldwork phase, focus group interview data were analyzed to derive the attributes of nursing competency at the end of life. In the final analysis phase, the attributes and indicators of end-of-life care competency were compared, analyzed, and integrated. Results: The attributes of end-of-life care competency among nurses in long-term care hospitals included comprehensive symptom management, effective communication, situational response, patient-centered care, information provision and education, resource management, demonstrating leadership, and professional development. Conclusion: End-of-life care competency in long-term-care-hospital nurses can be defined as a comprehensive set of competencies that includes symptom management, situational adaptation, effective communication, resource utilization, leadership, patient-centered care, meeting the needs of patients’ families through adequate information provision and education, and enhancing individual nursing capabilities through professional development. These results can serve as a foundation for developing tools to measure end-of-life care competencies among nurses in long-term care hospitals.