Omvårdnadsåtgärder som främjar livskvaliteten hos patienter som erhåller vård i livets slutskede : En intervjustudie i kontext av hospicevård i ett utvecklingsland

In today’s society the amount of people affected by a life-threatening illnesses are increasing, which in turn enlarges the need of palliative care and hospice care. The World Health Organisation (WHO, 2014) has developed guidelines to how palliative and hospice care should be performed to offer patients’ a good care. Hospice care is a newly developed concept in the Eastern Caribbean and there is only one hospice located in Antigua and Barbuda. The aim of this study was to explore nursing interventions that enhances the quality of life in patients receiving end of life care. The study was performed empirically with a qualitative approach. Data was collected through twelve semi-structured interviews with healthcare personnel at a hospice. WHO’s (2014) definition of palliative care was used as a guideline. The data analysis was performed with a content analysis of inductive approach. The study showed that the main focus when performing end of life care was to cater for the patients’ different needs; emotional, physical and spiritual in order to enhance their well-being and their quality of life. The objectives were to make the patients as comfortable as possible and to make the end of life peaceful for them to die with dignity and pride. Nursing interventions and treatments were tailored to best suit the patients’ individual needs and wishes. All patients were seen as unique individuals and all individual differences were respected. It was said to be very important to be attentive as a caregiver; to listen to and to respect the patients and their wishes to create a good and trustful relationship. The patients’ integrity and dignity was preserved by respecting their autonomy. Support and counselling for the families was described to help them cope with the situation and thereby be of better support for the patients. Spiritual communications was common and often encouraged to both patients and their families in order to enhance their coping strategies and to make the situation more peaceful. A holistic mindset where the patients’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs determine performed interventions. Each patient was seen as a unique individual and was offered healthcare adjusted to their situation. The aim of the hospice was to let the patients die with dignity and respect by catering for their wishes at the end of life.Validerat; 20150621 (global_studentproject_submitter