Knowledge and Practice Regarding Nursing Care in Terminally Ill Patients among Nurses

Abstract

Introduction: Advanced illness occurs when one or more conditions become serious enough that general health and functioning declines and treatment begins to loose their impact. This is a process that continues to the end of life. It can also be called as “End of life care”, “serious illness” or “advanced illness”. Advanced illness includes different diseases: The Pulmonary advanced illness- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Cardiovascular advanced illness- Stroke, Congestive Cardiac Failure; Immunological advanced illness- HIV/AIDS; Endocrine advanced illness- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 and 2) and Cancer.To assess the level of knowledge and practice regarding nursing care in advanced ill patients.

Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was undertaken in Om Hospital and Research Centre, Chabahil, Kathmandu. A total number of 100 nurses were taken as sample for study via non probability purposive sampling. Data collection was done through self structured questionnaire and observational checklist. Data processing was through using Statistical Package for Social Science version 16.

Results: The findings of the study revealed that 22 respondents have adequate knowledge, 57 respondents have average knowledge and 21 respondents have inadequate knowledge.

Conclusions: This study concludes that the periodic in-service education, seminar, conferences, continue education, workshop and trainings regarding Nursing care in Advanced ill patients would enhance the knowledge and practice of nurses.