Palliative Care Environments in an Acute Hospital for End-Of- Life Care—Perspectives of Patients, Next of Kin and Healthcare Professionals

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the perspectives of patients, next of kin and healthcare professionals on planning a new end-of-life room in a department of surgery in an acute hospital.

Design: Qualitative study.

Methods: Between January and March 2023, 20 individual semi-structured interviews were conducted at the REDACTED.
Participants included seven seriously ill and dying patients, three next of a kin and ten health care professionals. The interviews focused on identifying key elements that participants deemed important in an end-of-life room during the final days of life.

Findings: Data analysis revealed two main themes: ‘Lively physical surroundings’ and ‘Human and medical competencies’ of the health care professionals. The findings highlight a shared understanding among participants of the importance of lively physical surroundings, including aesthetics, connections to nature, appropriate lighting and the creation of a homely atmosphere.

Patient or Public Contribution: Although patients and next of kin were not involved in the planning of the study due to ethical considerations, nurses working on the ward contributed valuable insights during the study's design. Their input helped ensure the relevance and feasibility of the research in a clinical setting.

Reporting Method: COREQ was used as aguideline.