Do nurses participate in end-of-life decision making?

Abstract

To explore how Jordanian nurses participate in the end-of-life (EoL) decision-making process. Interviews with 10 patients and family caregivers, and focus group discussions with seven healthcare professionals (HCPs), were conducted. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed following inductive thematic analysis. The participants agreed that nurses are not fully engaged and did not have a direct role in the EoL decision-making process. However, the participants highlighted that 'nurses bridge the gaps in the decision-making process', where nurses act as mediators to facilitate the decision-making process. Lastly, nurses were viewed as 'nurturers and supporters during the journey of the patient's illness'; they were always available to answer their questions, offer help and advise when necessary during palliative referral and throughout the illness. Although nurses did not directly participate in EoL decisions, they have several vital contributions that need to be rearranged into structured decisional coaching.