Discourses associated with nursing aged people who are dying in the Australian context: a review of the literature

Abstract

To examine the discourses associated with nursing care of aged people who are dying in the Australian context. The discourses associated with nursing aged people who are dying are not universally understood, and there is confusion regarding the meaning of terminology used to describe specific nursing practices in the aged care setting in Australia. A literature search was undertaken to identify nursing practices and the discourses associated with nursing aged people who are dying in the Australian context. Words used in the literature to describe practices related to nursing care of the dying were distilled, and a search of the Cummulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) database using this vocabulary was undertaken to explicate the meanings associated with specific terminology. The review of literature highlighted a plethora of nursing practices related to caring for people who are aged and dying. Hospice care, palliative care, terminal care, end-of-life care and a palliative approach are terms used to describe specific practices associated with nursing people who are dying. These terms have distinct meanings; however, they are often used interchangeably in aged care settings adding to confusion and the potential for compromised nursing practice standards. Understanding the terminology associated with nursing practice provided to people who are aged and dying allows the profession to engage in dialogue that is universally understood. Dialogue allows for rigorous debate, research and ultimately the evolution of nursing practice, improved outcomes for this group and the avoidance of unnecessary legal challenge to individual and institutional practice standards. The terminology associated with the provision of care to the aged who are dying is reflective of the broader healthcare discourse focused on dying and death. Shared agreement about this terminology will avoid unnecessary litigation resulting from misunderstanding of the discourses that describe and define practice and enhance health outcomes for the aged dying and their families and/or significant others.