Nurses' Perceptions of Futile Care: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Healthcare professionals agree futile care should be avoided.
• A clear, universal definition and manifestation of futile care remain undefined.
• Understanding nurses' perspectives on futile care is crucial for ethical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Iranian nurses' perceptions of futile care.
• To identify themes related to the definition and experience of futile care in nursing.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative exploratory study design.
• Conventional content analysis approach for data collection and analysis.
• Data gathered from Iranian nurses.

Main Results:

• Three primary themes emerged: nonfutility of care (care linked to outcomes), sense of burnout among nurses, and the subjective and relative nature of medical futility.
• Nurses associate futility with a lack of positive patient outcomes.
• Burnout is a significant consequence of perceived futile care.

Conclusions:

• Medical futility is perceived subjectively and relatively by nurses, influenced by outcomes and leading to burnout.
• There is a need for clearer definitions and guidelines regarding futile care in clinical settings.
• Addressing nurses' perceptions of futile care is essential for improving patient care and professional well-being.