Objective: To identify the factors associated with
difficulties encountered by nurses working in general wards in hospitals
in Japan.
Methods: Questionnaires including items regarding
difficulties in providing care to terminally ill cancer patients, the
existence of a mentor regarding end-of-life issues, awareness of
end-of-life issues, and demographic factors were administered to 375 staff
nurses working in general in-patient wards. Multivariate regression
analyses were employed to investigate correlations between factors.
Results: Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the
existence of a mentor for end-of-life issues was associated with fewer
difficulties in all areas other than “Knowledge and skill of
nurses.” Clinical experience was inversely related to difficulties
in “Communication with patients and families” and
“Personal issues.” Greater awareness of end-of-life issues was
related to higher difficulties in most areas.
Significance of results: The existence of a mentor was
correlated with fewer difficulties in most areas. Support by a palliative
care team might be effective in reducing difficulties experienced by
nurses and in improving care for terminally ill cancer patients. Basic
communication training undertaken sooner after registration might be also
useful.
