말기 암환자를 돌보는 간호사의 연명의료중단에 대한 태도와 임종간호 장애요인이 임종간호수행에 미치는 영향

The Effects of Attitudes toward the Withdrawal of Life-sustaining Treatment and End-of-life Care Obstacles on the Terminal Care Performance of Nurses caring for Terminal Cancer Patients

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of attitudes towards withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WLST) and end-of-life care obstacles on the terminal care performance of nurses caring for terminal cancer patients. Methods: The participants were 168 nurses from general hospitals located in S regions. Statistical analysis used descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, analysis of Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Results: The results of the correlation analysis of the data showed that terminal care performance had a significant positive correlation with attitudes toward WLST(r=.18, p=.024). The regression model explained individual characteristics in the model. Age (β=.32, p<.001), the experience of the dying person's family (β=.22, p=.011), religion (β=.20, p=.019), and attitudes toward WLST(β=.17, p=.042) were the most influential factors for terminal care performance. Conclusion: A positive attitude toward WLST improves the performance of terminal care. Hence, it is necessary to continue providing education programs related to the same.