Nurses' Perspectives Regarding Challenges of Providing Perinatal/Neonatal End-of-Life Care in a Regional Hospital: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

Abstract

Aim: This qualitative study aimed to explore nurses' perspectives regarding the challenges of providing perinatal/neonatal end-of-life care in a regional hospital.Methods: This exploratory qualitative study was conducted with 20 nurses working in Turkey. Study data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured individual interviews. The interviews were then submitted to thematic analysis.Results: Three themes emerged from analyses of the interviews: (1) inadequate support for delivery of palliative care, (2) perceptions of family readiness, and (3) providing information/education to the family. The most prominent difficulties experienced by nurses were inadequacy of unit and equipment and lack of trained personnel. Another important issue that stood out was families' not accepting the end-of-life care decision for the fetus or the neonate and their having unrealistic expectations.Conclusion: Study results have provided important considerations for regional isolated neonatal and perinatal units, and they will be used to inform clinical practice improvements, staff education support, policies/procedures, family support, and further research relating to end-of-life care provision for the most vulnerable babies and their families.