Knowledge, practices and nurses attitudes about end of life care at critical units: Suggested booklets

Abstract

Background: Nurses in ICU play a significant role in providing end of life nursing care to patients complained from life-threatening illnesses and did not response positively to medical treatment by assessing their needs and providing comprehensive nursing care Aim of the study: Evaluate Nurses knowledge, attitudes and practices about end of life care at critical units. Design: Descriptive research design. Methods: (65) ICU nurses included in the study assigned to the medical and general ICUs at Assuit University Hospital, Egypt. Results: (61.5%) of the ICU nurse their knowledge about EOL nursing care is unsatisfactory. (58.6%) their level of practice was poor and their attitude toward EOL care was unfavorable by (72.3%). Conclusions: the study concluded that ICU nurses did not have enough knowledge and practice about EOL care and they need a clear policy to improve their attitude toward applying it. Recommendations: Educational programs and suggested booklets must be carried out for nurses in critical care units.