Oncology nurses' obstacles and supportive behaviors in end-of-life care: providing vital family care.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of obstacles and supportive behaviors in end-of-life (EOL) care as perceived by hospital-based oncology nurses.

DESIGN: A 69-item mailed survey.

SETTING: National random sample.

SAMPLE: 1,005 nurse members of the Oncology Nursing Society who had provided EOL care for patients with cancer.

METHODS: Three mailings yielded 380 usable responses from 912 eligible respondents, resulting in a 42% return rate.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Size and frequency of EOL care obstacles and supportive behaviors for patients with cancer in a hospital setting.

FINDINGS: Results of this research demonstrate the need for more EOL education and help in forming teams of nurses, social and palliative care workers, and physicians to support high-quality care. Another finding was the need for other nurses at a facility to give the nurse caring for the dying patient more time to support the patient and family.

CONCLUSIONS: Dealing with the family is vital in providing optimal EOL care to patients dying from cancer. By carefully listening to the experience, concerns, and recommendations of hospital-based oncology nurses, compassionate EOL care can be provided to these patients and their families.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Oncology nurses are dedicated to providing the best EOL care to their patients and patients' families. This study helped to identify research-based obstacles and supportive behaviors regarding the provision of high-quality EOL care.