Keywords

Communication, End of life, Families

Authors

1. Liaschenko, Joan PhD, RN, FAAN
2. O'Conner-Von, Susan PhD, RN
3. Peden-McAlpine, Cynthia PhD, AHCNS, BC

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a qualitative study investigating how critical care nurses include families in end-of-life care. The major theme, "Supporting the Families' Journey Through the Dying Process," illustrates how critical care nurses organize information to construct the "big picture" of the patients' deteriorating status and artfully communicate this to families.