How Were Palliative Care Assessments Performed by Students During a Clinical Nursing Experience? A Study in Interpretive Phenomenology Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: There has been limited investigation into nursing students’ experiences of carrying out comprehensive assessments. Consequently, there is a need to explore the most effective and efficient assessment approach for students conducting palliative assessments for patients. This study aimed to investigate nursing students’ experiences of performing palliative assessments while on clinical placement in a hospital. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Eight nursing students participated in semi-structured interviews utilising open-ended questions, generating 10 audio recordings. This qualitative study applied interpretative phenomenology analysis, with data analysed thematically. Results: The study identified eight substantial themes that illustrate the experiences of nursing students in palliative care assessment: Upgrading assessment skills, Contributing influences in the assessment process, The way the patient responds to the assessment, Replenishment of data, The importance of family involvement, Emerging issues in the assessment process, Approaches to assessment and Refining the assessment process. The study enhances comprehension of how students surmount assessment challenges. Conclusion: The findings present a potential guide for future research on assessing the effectiveness of palliative care instruments employed by nurses to enhance comprehensive holistic assessments for patients.