Application of Peaceful End-of-Life Theory: The Context of the Intensive Care Unit
Keywords:
End-of-life, Peaceful end-of-life, Critically ill patients, Nursing careAbstract
End-of-life care for critically ill patients is a process focusing on alleviating symptoms and reducing patient suffering. The primary goal is to ensure the best possible quality of life during their remaining time. This encompasses physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care as well as supporting the patient’s family.
This article presents the theory of peaceful end-of-life, which includes five key components: 1) Not being in pain; 2) Experience of comfort; 3) Experience of dignity/respect; 4) Being at peace; and 5) Closeness to significant others/persons who care. When applied in critical care settings, this approach is user friendly, simple, clearly presented, and productive for patients and families. Therefore, it may be an appropriate framework for nursing terminally ill patients in critical care environments.
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