Att leva och vårdas i livets slutskede : Patienters upplevelser av palliativ vård

Sammanfattning

Background: Palliative care is an important part of healthcare for patients with serious incurable illnesses, with the aim of relieving suffering and promoting quality of life at the end of life. The end-of-life stage, also referred to as the terminal phase, is characterized by increasing symptoms and a need for individualized care. Palliative care is based on four cornerstones: symptom relief, communication, support for relatives, and interdisciplinary teamwork. The nurse has a central role in meeting the patient's physical, psychological, social, and existential needs, as well as in preserving the patient’s dignity and autonomy. The study is based on Kate Ericssons theory of suffering. Despite established guidelines, research shows that deficiencies in knowledge and approach can affect the quality of care, which highlights the need to explore patient’s experiences of palliative care in the end-of-life stage. Aim: To describe patients` experiences of palliative care at the end of life. Method: A literature review with a qualitative approach, consisting of 15 scientific articles on patients’ experiences of palliative care at the end of life. Those articles were selected through systematic database searches, critically appraised, and analyzed according to Friberg’s (2022) five-steps model. Results: The results show that patients at the end of life experience extensive suffering in which multiple dimensions are affected. Pain, anxiety, and loss of control are central findings, while relationships, communication, and support from relatives and healthcare professionals are crucial for ensuring a sense of security, dignity, and quality of life at the end of life. Conclusion: The study shows that palliative care at the end of life requires a holistic perspective in which all dimensions of suffering are considered. The nurse’s role is central in promoting person-centered care, good communication, and alleviating suffering, as well as in strengthening and improving the quality of life for patients at the end of life.