End of Life Decisions Involving Patients and Their Families Essay

This study was done to inform patients and others that end of life decisions can be done, in advance, without having a terminal diagnosis. Palliative is a process created to prevent patients from suffering, at the end of their life. This is an evidence-based nursing study, using the qualitative research method. The clinical scenario is based upon the writer and researchers working on a palliative care unit. On this unit there are many opportunities to discuss end of life decisions with patients and family members. This study was done to improve palliative care and end of life issues with hopes of achieving a better outcome, with patients and their families. The reason for this study was completed is to indentify way nurses can communicate, the process and the meaning of end of life decision and â€Å"living wills† to patients and families. Most people do not understand palliative care and why it is done. Palliative care and end of life decisions are very hard and sensitive to discuss with everyone. Bowers and Norton completed this study to give care team members more input on how to counsel patients and their family on making better end of life decisions. In this study, data is provided to show varying attitudes, beliefs, and actions of providers, the care team, and patients. Strategies are used to show different interpretations by incorporating the patients and family members to take control of decision making for the end of life. In researching the information the provider and researchers decided to use the three question approach to determine if this process would be beneficial to the patient and their families. The first question would be â€Å"are the findings of this study valid†? Question number two would be â€Å"wha... ...upport group should involve patients and families that do not need palliative care at that time. References Giacomi, M., Cook, D. (2010). JAMA. Qualitative Research in Health Care. P 357-362. Retrieved from http:www.ebn.emj.com/content/6/2/36.long Norton, S. Bowers, B. (2008). The Nurse Health Journal: Working Toward Consensus. P 258- 259. Retrieved from http:www.ebn.bmj.com/content/6/2/36.long Roger, A. ((2010). Family Practice: Explicit Guidelines for Qualitative Research. Retrieved from http:www.ebn.emj.com/content/6/2/36.long Russell, C. Gregory, D. (2008). Evidence-Based Nursing: Evaluation of Qualitative Research. Retrieved from http:www.ebn.bmj.com/content/6/2/36.long Thorne, S. (2008). Completing a Qualitative Project. P 117-132. Retrieved from http:www.ebn.bmj.com/content/6/2/36.long