Facilitators and barriers in end of life care

The population consisted of 37 ICU qualified trained nurses, ICU experienced nurses, and enrolled nurses working in the specific ICU. The researcher purposively selected a sample of 14 participants. In this study, data was collected by means of face-to-face in-depth interviews, using an interview guide. Using semi-structured inter participants’ experience of facilitators and barriers to end-of-life care (EOLC) in the specific ICU. The researcher used Tesch’s eight-step method to analyze the data. The study found that Emotional stress; cultural differences; no clear directives/guidelines; poor communication; rigid visiting hours; no signed consent for DNR, and ineffective teamwork were barriers pertaining to end-of-life care. Communication; informed consent and shared decision-making in healthcare, particularly in end-of-life care; informed consent for EOLC; open visitation; allowing cultural practices; fair and transparent staff allocation; effective teamwork, and a multidisciplinary approach were facilitators pertaining to end-of-life care. The findings and recommendations should assist nurses caring for end-of-life patients in adult ICUs to prevent barriers and promote facilitators pertaining to end-of-life care to ensure quality care.