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Supporting Muslim families before and after a death in neonatal and paediatric intensive care units
Author(s) -
Al Mutair Abbas,
Al Ammary Maram,
Brooks Laura A.,
Bloomer Melissa J.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
nursing in critical care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.689
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1478-5153
pISSN - 1362-1017
DOI - 10.1111/nicc.12434
Subject(s) - workforce , nursing , intensive care , diversity (politics) , cultural diversity , medicine , population , qualitative research , family medicine , psychology , sociology , political science , social science , environmental health , intensive care medicine , anthropology , law
Background The death of a child is regarded as one of the most devastating events for a family. Families are reliant on nurses to not only provide end‐of‐life care but also to support and care for grieving families in a way that is sensitive to their cultural and religious needs and preferences. Aims The aim of this study was to explore the perceived impact and influence of cultural diversity on how neonatal and paediatric intensive care nurses care for Muslim families before and after the death of infants/children. Design A qualitative descriptive approach was used in this study, conducted in Saudi Arabia. Methods Semi‐structured interviews were used to gather data from a convenience sample of registered nurses working in neonatal and paediatric intensive care, with experience in providing end‐of‐life care. Interviews were conducted between July and November, 2018. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed for analysis. Results Thirteen registered nurses participated; all were born overseas, identified with various faiths and spoke English in the workplace. A respect for diversity and care of the family was prioritized yet impacted by communication challenges. Caring and respect was demonstrated by facilitating important cultural and religious practices important in the Muslim faith. Self‐care was identified as important, transcending the culturally diverse nature of the nursing workforce. Conclusions Significant challenges exist for a culturally diverse nursing workforce in providing care to a Saudi Muslim population of infants/children and families, before and after a death. Their overriding commitment to respect for others, and an openness to cultural diversity and difference, aided in overcoming the inherent challenges in providing culturally sensitive end‐of‐life care that meets the needs of Muslim families. These findings provide valuable insights for intensive care clinicians in other countries to address challenges associated with cultural diversity.