Att möta anhöriga till patienter i livets slutskede : Utifrån sjuksköterskors erfarenheter

Background: The relatives are often the closest to the patient. Patients describe how important the relatives are and the support that they represent, therefore it is important that the relatives are included in the care given. The relatives have expressed the need ofinvolvement despite this they are describing exclusion from the care. Therefore, nurses play an important part in designing the care and involving the relatives. Aim: To describe nurses’ experiences of encountering relatives of during end-of-life care.Method: A general literature study with a qualitative approach had been conducted. A total of eleven articles with a nursing science view were analyzed. Results: Nurses described that being present and supportive can ease the meetings with the relatives. They meant that having a good relationship with the relatives bettered the care for all parts involved. This was achieved through a continuous and honest communication. A central part was to communicate information to the relatives. Nurses also described an insecurity in handling emotions that was based in achieving a good encounter with the relatives. Conclusion: Nurses describe that caring for the relatives and the patients at the end of life can be challenging. The challenges are found in the communication with the relatives. The central parts of involving the relatives are based on informing and teaching them about the patient's condition and care.Keywords: Encountering, experiences, literature study, nurse, palliative care, relatives