Assessment of Knowledge, Level of Practices and Attitudes among Critical Care Nurses Regarding End-Of-Life Care at Critical Care Units رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

Background: Critical care is an integral part of hospital care, and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is the setting where patients are given the most technologically advanced life sustaining treatments. The ICU is, however, also a setting where death is common and End of Life Care (EOLC) is frequently provided. Since the focus in ICUs is on sustaining life, the delivery of high quality EOLC can be particularly challenging, and clinicians often find the dual responsibilities of saving lives and delivering EOLC difficult. Purpose: To assess knowledge, level of practices and attitudes among critical care nurses regarding EOLC at critical care units in west bank. Methods: This research utilized a descriptive - cross-sectional design to assess knowledge, attitude and practice among critical care nurses regarding EOLC at critical care units. A convenient sample of nurses (n=103), who are working in intensive care units in six governmental hospitals in west bank. By a self-administered questionnaire, data collection was started from (February 26th, 2025 to (March 15th , 2025).The questionnaire consisted of five parts: Demographic data, work related factors, nurses’ knowledge scale, nurses’ attitude scale and nurses’ practice scale. Results: Critical care nurses' average score on EOLC knowledge was 66.6%, an optimistic attitude (62.5%) and practice (86.6%). Female nurses performed better in practice, had more positive attitudes, and scored higher on knowledge tests. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of married and single nurses did not differ statistically significantly. The nurses' age had no discernible effect on their EOLC practice, knowledge, or attitude. The knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurses in providing EOLC were not substantially impacted by their residence. Knowledge, attitude, and practice in EOLC were not substantially impacted by educational attainment. Hospital affiliation significantly influenced knowledge and practice ratings, while nursing experience had no discernible effect on knowledge, attitude, or practice. This shows that years of experience alone may not have as much of an impact on the abilities of healthcare personnel as institutional elements. There were moderate positive correlations among EOL knowledge, attitude, and practice. Higher EOL knowledge was linked to better practice (r = 0.515, p < 0.001) and more favorable attitudes (r = 0.371, p < 0.001). Attitude was also positively correlated with practice (r = 0.396, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicate that the majority of critical care nurses are knowledgeable about EOLC and have a good outlook on it. However, the fact that a small percentage of participants had knowledge gaps highlights the necessity of focused educational programs and ongoing professional development to improve competency and provide excellent PC in intensive care units. Critical care nurses' awareness may increase if EOLC is given more attention in the curriculum. The study's conclusions identified areas of EOLC practice and the involvement of critical care nurses in these practices