Long‐term care nurses’ perceptions of a good death for people with dementia: A qualitative descriptive study

Introduction The number of people with dementia (PwD) dying in long‐term care (LTC) settings is expected to increase. However, effective care strategies to promote a good death for PwD remain unclear. This study aimed to explore nurses’ perceptions of a good death for PwD in LTC settings for older a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of older people nursing 2022-05, Vol.17 (3), p.e12443-n/a
Main Authors: Nasu, Katsumi, Fukahori, Hiroki, Miyashita, Mitsunori
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Ambiguity
Care plans
Content analysis
Death & dying
Dementia
good death
Health care
Humans
Long term care insurance
Long-Term Care
Medical personnel
Multidisciplinary teams
Nurses
nursing
Older people
Perceptions
Qualitative Research
Relatives
Terminal Care
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Summary:Introduction The number of people with dementia (PwD) dying in long‐term care (LTC) settings is expected to increase. However, effective care strategies to promote a good death for PwD remain unclear. This study aimed to explore nurses’ perceptions of a good death for PwD in LTC settings for older adults. Methods Interviews were conducted with 19 nurses providing end‐of‐life care in LTC settings for older adults in Japan. The transcribed texts were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results We identified two themes: (1) ambiguity and (2) preparedness. Participants perceived that there was ambiguity regarding a good death for PwD and emphasised the need for preparedness of those around PwD for a good death. Five categories represented preparedness: (a) reaffirming the original personality before dementia; (b) respecting that PwD change; (c) interpreting and fulfilling obscure desires, feelings, and sensations; (d) providing care consistent with an agreed‐upon natural death process; and (e) maintaining relationships. Conclusion Long‐term care nurses should encourage families and multidisciplinary team members, including the nurses themselves, to prepare for a good death of the PwD. Future research should focus on healthcare professionals’ perspectives on advance care planning in the early stages of dementia, as well as the perceptions of PwD, their family members and other healthcare professionals regarding the natural death process.
ISSN:1748-3735
1748-3743
DOI:10.1111/opn.12443