• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.18-29
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• 2012

Purpose: We analyzed how clinical nurses in Korea perceive terminally ill patients' medical decision-making. Methods: The Q-methodology which analyzes the subjectivity of each item was used. We selected 34 Q-statements among those provided by each of 37 subjects and grouped them into a shape of normal distribution using a 9 point scale. The collected data were analyzed using a QUANL PC program. Results: Four types of perception toward medical decision-making were identified. Type I focuses on patient participation, and Type II emphasizes the role of health professionals. Type III is characterized by an open-minded culture toward death, and Type IV values the role of family members. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the need for development of a multi-disciplinary curriculum medical decision-making and death for medical and nursing students.