Barriers, enablers and challenges to initiating end-of-life care in an Australian intensive care unit context

Abstract

Background Patients admitted to Australian intensive care units are often critically unwell, and present the challenge of increasing mortality due to an ageing population. Several of these patients have terminal conditions, requiring withdrawal of active treatment and commencement of end-of-life (EOL) care. Objectives The aim of the study was to explore the perspectives and experiences of physicians and nurses providing EOL care in the ICU. In particular, perceived barriers, enablers and challenges to providing EOL care were examined. Methods An interpretative, qualitative inquiry was selected as the methodological approach, with focus groups as the method for data collection. The study was ..