Nurses' perceived knowledge and benefits of artificial nutrition and hydration for patients nearing death: A survey among Jordanian nurses.

Abstract

Existing research highlights the importance of nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards the provision of artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) for patients with advanced cancer; however, the perspectives of Arabic and Islamic nurses have not yet been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to examine Jordanian nurses' knowledge, attitudes and perceived benefits in providing ANH for patients with advanced cancer. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Participants comprised 183 nurses (93.5% response rate). Around 80% received no training on ANH. Nurses had poor knowledge regarding ANH, with a mean score of 5.12 (SD=2.27) out of 15. Overall, nurses had positive attitudes towards ANH care (M=3.09, SD=0.29); however, the subscale analysis showed that nurses held inconspicuous beliefs about ANH benefits (M=2.67, SD=0.71) and strongly believed that ANH places a high burden on patients (M=3.50, SD=0.69). Nurses from government hospitals showed significantly higher ANH knowledge, as well as positive beliefs regarding ANH benefits, compared to less educated nurses. Jordanian nurses have limited knowledge of ANH. Their positive attitude regarding ANH for terminally ill patients could be driven by cultural norms and beliefs, rather than education. Introducing ANH in nursing curricula and in-hospital services could have a positive impact on nurses' knowledge.