Full Answer Section

• Lack of knowledge about end-of-life options. Many elderly people and their families are not aware of the different end-of-life care options available. This can make it difficult for them to make informed decisions about their care.

What nurses can do to support their patients regarding end-of-life care in accordance with their wishes

Nurses can play a vital role in supporting their patients regarding end-of-life care in accordance with their wishes. Here are some things that nurses can do:

• Talk to their patients about their end-of-life wishes. Nurses can start by asking their patients what they want their end-of-life care to look like. This conversation should be ongoing and should be revisited as the patient’s condition changes.
• Educate their patients about end-of-life care options. Nurses can educate their patients about the different end-of-life care options available, such as palliative care, hospice care, and in-home care. They can also help their patients to understand the benefits and risks of each option.
• Advocate for their patients’ end-of-life wishes. Nurses can advocate for their patients’ end-of-life wishes by talking to their patients’ families, doctors, and other healthcare providers. They can also help their patients to develop a plan for end-of-life care that meets their needs.
• Provide emotional support to their patients and their families. Nurses can provide emotional support to their patients and their families by listening to them, offering words of encouragement, and providing information and resources.

Evidence-based literature supporting the role of nurses in end-of-life care

A study published in the journal Nursing Outlook found that nurses play a vital role in supporting their patients’ end-of-life wishes. The study found that nurses can help their patients to understand their end-of-life options, to make informed decisions about their care, and to have a peaceful and dignified death.

Another study, published in the journal Palliative Medicine, found that nurses can play a key role in reducing the fear and anxiety associated with death. The study found that nurses can provide emotional support to their patients and their families, and they can help their patients to achieve a sense of peace and closure at the end of life.

Conclusion

Nurses can play a vital role in supporting their patients regarding end-of-life care in accordance with their wishes. By talking to their patients about their end-of-life wishes, educating their patients about end-of-life care options, advocating for their patients’ end-of-life wishes, and providing emotional support to their patients and their families, nurses can help their patients to have a peaceful and dignified death.