Palliative Care Nursing Interventions in Thailand

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the nursing interventions that nurses in Thailand identify as most important in promoting dignified dying. Design: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. Method: A total of 247 Thai nurses completed a paper-and-pencil survey written in Thai. The survey included both demographic questions and palliative care interventions, listed with summative rating scales, from the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP) catalogue Palliative Care for Dignified Dying. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Findings: The five most important nursing interventions to promote dignified dying, ranked by average importance rating, were (a) maintain dignity and privacy, (b) establish trust, (c) manage pain, (d) establish rapport, and (e) manage dyspnea. Conclusions: This research identified the palliative care nursing interventions considered most important by nurses in Thailand to promote dignified dying. Implications for Practice: The ICNP catalogue Palliative Care for Dignified Dying can be used for planning and managing palliative nursing care in Thailand. © 2013, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.