Surgical ICU Nurses' Attitudes on End-of-Life Care
This study aims to explore the attitudes and behaviors of nurses working in surgical intensive care units (ICUs) towards end-of-life care, alongside identifying the barriers they face in providing such care. Despite the universal need for end-of-life care, with an estimated 56.8 million people requiring it annually, only a fraction receive adequate services. The concept of a "good death" has evolved, now emphasizing patient and family wishes, and aligning with clinical, cultural, and ethical standards. In the U.S., a significant portion of deaths occur in hospitals, often involving surgical interventions in the final stages of life. Nurses in ICUs play a crucial role in delivering end-of-life care, making their attitudes and behaviors pivotal to the quality of care provided. Previous studies have indicated a positive correlation between nurses' attitudes towards end-of-life care and their ethical conduct in care delivery. However, research specifically focusing on surgical ICU nurses and the challenges they encounter in end-of-life care is limited. This study seeks to fill that gap, enhancing understanding of the factors that influence end-of-life care in surgical ICUs and potentially guiding improvements in care practices and policy.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  Nurses working in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Nurses willing to participate in the study will be included.  Exclusion Criteria:  Nurses who wish to withdraw from the study at any stage after being included will not have their data included in the research. - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 18 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult - StudyPopulation: The study population consists of nurses employed in Surgical Intensive Care Units (SICUs) who have voluntarily agreed to participate in this research. This group is targeted due to their direct involvement and experience with end-of-life care practices within a highly specialized and critical care environment. The inclusion of SICU nurses allows for a focused examination of the attitudes, behaviors, and perceived barriers towards end-of-life care in a setting that frequently confronts the complexities of life-threatening conditions and death. This specific population provides valuable insights into the challenges and needs associated with end-of-life care in surgical intensive care contexts, contributing to the development of more effective care strategies and policies to support both patients and healthcare professionals in this sensitive area of medical care. - SamplingMethod: Non-Probability Sample