Experiences of Nurses about End-of-life Care for Cancer Patients in Iran: A Qualitative Study

  Cancer is an important cause of mortality worldwide. Many cancer patients are hospitalized at the end of their life, requiring end-of-life care. The perception of nurses toward end-of-life care could correct inappropriate care behaviors and enhance the quality of care. The present study aimed to assess the understanding of nurses regarding the end-of-life care of cancer patients. This qualitative study was conducted using the conventional content analysis method in 2017. Sample size included 16 nurses employed in oncology wards, who were selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews. All the interviews were transcribed and reviewed, and data analysis was performed using content analysis. The nurses perceived end-of-life care as the main category of ‘comprehensive care’ and three subcategories of ‘value-based care’, ‘support-based care’, and factors in care’. According to the results, the comprehensive perception of the nurses toward end-of-life care, which arises from their perception toward the care of these patients, could help them provide high-quality care that is value-based, nursing-based, and support-based. Such care services seem to bring about a sense of proper care provision for the nurses, as well as peaceful death for the patients.