End-of-Life-Decision Making: An Exemplar Story in Nursing Practice in an ICU

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze and discuss end-of-life decision making in nursing practice.

Method: An exemplar story was examined and discussed using relevant literature and Thelen (2005)’s process of making end-of-life decision.

Findings: Culture, value and preference, prognosis and severity of an end-of-life person, time, economic status, and family connection are important factors in end-of-life decision making. Patient, family members, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers involve in making decision at end of life. Nurses’ role was acknowledged as a supporter throughout the process in assisting patients and families dealing this critical time and reaching the consensus.

Conclusions: Understanding situations and related factors in making decision at end of life help nurses to perform their role more effectively. The Thelen’s process may be fit with making end-of-life decision in Thai context. However, more situations of end-of-life decision making are needed to be explored.