Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care

Korean Society for Hospice and Palliative Care (한국호스피스완화의료학회)
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Knowledge, Attitudes and Nursing Stress Related to Life-Sustaining Treatment among Oncology Nurses

  • Seul Lee (St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea) ;
  • Suyoun Hong (St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea) ;
  • Sojung Park (St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea) ;
  • Soojung Lim (St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea)
  • Received : 2023.05.01
  • Accepted : 2023.07.20
  • Published : 2023.09.01
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Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated knowledge, attitudes, and nursing stress related to life-sustaining treatment among oncology nurses. Methods: A descriptive study design was used. Data were collected through a survey from April 1 to May 31, 2022. The participants were 132 nurses working in the oncology ward of a tertiary hospital in Seoul. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 program with descriptive statics, the independent t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: The average scores for knowledge, attitudes, and nursing stress related to life-sustaining treatment were 14.42, 3.29, and 3.96, respectively. Significant differences in knowledge about life-sustaining treatment were observed based on clinical experience (P=0.029) and education about life-sustaining treatment (P=0.044). Attitudes toward life-sustaining treatment varied significantly with education about life-sustaining treatment (P=0.014), while stress levels differed significantly across working units (P=0.004). A positive correlation was found between the dilemma of extending or stopping life-sustaining treatment (a subdomain of nursing stress) and attitudes toward life-sustaining treatment (r=0.260, P=0.003). Conclusion: There was no significant correlation between the nursing stress experienced by oncology nurses and their knowledge and attitudes toward life-sustaining treatment. However, a more positive experience with life-sustaining treatment education was associated with higher stress levels related to the dilemma of extending or stopping life-sustaining treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to develop strategies to manage this dilemma and reduce stress in the field.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We express our sincere gratitude to Professor Mihyun Park at Catholic University, who continued to show interest in this study during the planning and execution stages and provided valuable advice for our draft.

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