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Oncology nurses' perceptions of advance directives for patients with cancer
Author(s) -
Hobden Breanne,
Bryant Jamie,
Waller Amy,
Shepherd Jan,
SansonFisher Rob
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
nursing and health sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.563
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1442-2018
pISSN - 1441-0745
DOI - 10.1111/nhs.12826
Subject(s) - directive , autonomy , medicine , oncology nursing , nursing , palliative care , family medicine , perception , oncology , psychology , nurse education , programming language , computer science , political science , law , neuroscience
This study examined oncology nurses' perceptions of the impact of advance directives on oncology patients' end‐of‐life care. Nurses ( n  = 104), who were members of an oncology nursing society or worked in a large metropolitan cancer center, completed a cross‐sectional survey assessing perceptions of advance directives. There was high agreement that advance directives (i) make decisions easier for family (87%) and providers (82%); (ii) are doctors' responsibility to implement (80%); (iii) reduce unwanted aggressive treatment in the last weeks of life (80%); (iv) protect patient autonomy (77%); and (v) increase the likelihood of dying in a preferred location (76%). There was moderate or low agreement that advance directives (i) are accessible when needed (60%); (ii) are oncology nurses' responsibility to implement (46%); (iii) are always followed (41%); (iv) reduce the likelihood of pain in the last weeks of life (31%); (v) contain difficult to follow statements (30%); and (vi) have no impact on comfort in the last weeks of life (15%). Most nurses perceive benefits for advance directives, however, there remains uncertainty around accessibility and implementation. Guidelines and education about advance directive processes in oncology could improve person‐centered end‐of‐life care.

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