Providing End-of-Life Care to COVID-19 Patients: The Lived Experiences of ICU Nurses in the Philippines

O-Jay B. Jimenez, Sheilla M. Trajera and Gregory S. Ching ()
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O-Jay B. Jimenez: Graduate School, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City 6100, Philippines
Sheilla M. Trajera: Faculty, BSN, MN, and PhD Programs in Nursing, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City 6100, Philippines
Gregory S. Ching: Faculty, Graduate Institute of Educational Leadership and Development, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 19, 1-21

Abstract: In the midst of COVID-19, radical change in the work environment further exacerbated the detrimental effects of critical illness in the intensive care unit (ICU). This may be heightened if the patient experiences a lamentable end-of-life experience due to inadequate end-of-life care (EoLC). Anchoring on the theory of bureaucratic caring and the peaceful end-of-life theory, insights can be gained into the motivations and behaviors that support the delivery of palliative care during COVID-19. With this having been having said, the objective of this study was to use a narrative approach to examine the lived experience of 12 nurses who provided EoLC in the COVID-19 ward of several hospitals in the Western Philippines. Participants’ narratives were transcribed, translated and analyzed. Among the themes that have emerged are: establishing a peaceful journey to death, holistic caring for the end of life, venturing into risky encounters in the call of duty, staying close amidst the reshaped work environment, and preparing the family life after a loved one’s departure. The study identified the importance of assisting patients on their journey to a peaceful death, but this journey was also accompanied by a sense of self-preservation and safety for colleagues and families.

Keywords: palliative care; hospitals; intensive care units; nurses; COVID-19 pandemic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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