Medical College of Wisconsin
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Spanish nephrology nurses' views and attitudes towards caring for dying patients. J Ren Care 2010 Mar;36(1):2-8

Date

03/11/2010

Pubmed ID

20214702

DOI

10.1111/j.1755-6686.2010.00141.x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-77949776667 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   28 Citations

Abstract

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease are increasingly elderly with increasing numbers of co-morbidites. Some may not be suitable for dialysis, some will choose to withdraw from treatment after a period of time and some will reach the end of their lives while still on dialysis. Studies have shown nurses' attitudes towards caring for dying patients affect the quality of care. A descriptive study was conducted to explore Spanish nurses' views and attitudes in this context and to assess any relationship between demographic variables and attitudes. Two measurement tools were used: a demographic survey and the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Scale-Form B. Two hundred and two completed questionnaires were returned. Although respondents demonstrated positive attitudes in this domain, 88.9% viewed end-of-life (EOL) care as an emotionally demanding task, 95.3% manifested that addressing death issue require special skills and 92.6% reported that education on EOL care is necessary. This paper suggests strategies which could ease the burden in this area of care.

Author List

Ho TM, Barbero E, Hidalgo C, Camps C



MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Attitude of Health Personnel
Chronic Disease
Communication
Female
Humans
Kidney Diseases
Male
Nephrology
Nurse-Patient Relations
Nurses
Nursing Care
Palliative Care
Spain
Specialties, Nursing
Terminal Care