Resuscitation versus end-of-life care: Exploring the obstacles and supportive behaviors to providing end-of-life care as perceived by emergency nurses after implementing the end-of-life care pathway

Aim: To evaluate the obstacles and supportive behaviors to providing end-of-life care as perceived by emergency nurses after implementing the end-of-life care pathway. Background: The end-of-life care pathway was implemented in an emergency department. However, the life-saving mission of emergency nurses and the chaotic and fast-paced emergency setting induced some difficulties to providing end-of-life care. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey of 42 emergency nurses was conducted to measure the perceived magnitude scores of 28 obstacles and 23 supportive behaviors, reflecting their intensity and frequency when providing end-of-life care. Results: Six of the 10 obstacles with the highest scores were related to family issues. Moreover, five of the 10 supportive behaviors with the highest scores were associated with the provision of favorable environment. Conclusion: Though emergency nurses in different parts of the world face similar obstacles and supportive behaviors, discrepancies exist because of differing care pathways, emergency department design, and nursing education.