Understanding Nurses’ Experiences and Perceptions of End-of-Life Care for Cancer Patients in Korea: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Quality end-of-life care for cancer patients is a global health priority, and nurses are instrumental in providing this care. However, little is known about nurses’ experiences and perceptions in end-of-life care settings in Korea. Aims: This scoping review examined Korean nurses’ end-of-life care experiences and assessed the state of research in this area. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted using 7 electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, WPRIM, KCI, and RISS), and 17 studies were selected for review. Findings: Most studies were limited to cross-sectional, descriptive designs. Outcomes regarding end-of-life care measured in the studies were categorized into cognitive variables, emotional variables, participation/performance, and educational needs. Study results suggested low nurse knowledge and self-efficacy with regard to provision of end-of-life care. Perceived barriers to quality end of life care included difficulties in meeting family members’ needs. In addition, emotional outcomes associated with end-of-life care included high levels of nurse stress and burnout. Predictors of elevated stress included inability to provide adequate pain control, inability to reconcile patient requests with physician orders, and heavy workload. Although most nurses had end-of-life care experience, fewer than half reported receiving related education. The lack of knowledge and skill related to end of life care was a primary contributor to stress. Conclusions: Korean nurses providing end-of-life care for cancer patients need additional education and support to help them manage high stress levels. Further study is needed to identify strategies for meeting nurses’ end-of-life care education needs and of improving their overall performance in such practice.