![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to understand the characteristic of "The self" of Japanese chronic illness patients in end of life care.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to get suggestions that how nurses support patient's end of life respecting patient's self.
The purpose of this study was to clarify nurses’ understanding of “the self” of patients living with a chronic illness in end-of-life care in Japan.
Method:
Interview data were collected from 7 Certified Nursing Specialists in Adult Nursing who had experience caring for patients in the downward phase of the illness trajectory. All data were analyzed using a qualitative inductive method.
Results:
From all data regarding patients with a chronic illness in end-of-life care, the following 10 items about “the self” were extracted: [“The self” carefully maintaining its will and pride],[“The self” never giving up on oneself] [“The self” knowing deterioration], [“The self” being confused or conflicted], [“The self” seeking conviction], [“The self” having duality], [“The self” having potential], [“The self” betting on possibility], [“The self” being full of doom and gloom], and [“The self” being inseparable from others]. Each individual’s situation is affected by various factors, such as symptoms, medical treatments and relationship with family members or nurse..
Conclusion:
The characteristics of “the self” include consistency, transcendency and symbiosis. Each patient's self reflects the medical situation in Japan and the patient’s cultural identity. The present results will contribute to the development of end-of-life care that respects each patient's self.
See more of: World Academy of Nursing Science: Oral Paper & Posters