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Unbearable Suffering: A Concept Analysis
Summary
This study defines "unbearable suffering" and proposes it as a new nursing diagnosis. Recognizing this diagnosis can help nurses identify and manage patient suffering, especially at the end of life.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Medical Ethics
- Psychology
Background:
- Unbearable suffering is a complex phenomenon impacting patient well-being.
- Existing frameworks may not fully capture the depth of this suffering.
- A clear definition is needed for effective nursing intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the concept of unbearable suffering.
- To propose a new nursing diagnosis for unbearable suffering.
- To integrate this diagnosis into the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) taxonomy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Walker and Avant concept analysis method.
- Conducted a systematic literature search across MEDLINE, Dialnet, WOS, and PsycINFO (2016-2020).
- Included 11 theoretical and empirical articles, developing 2 case studies.
Main Results:
- Defined unbearable suffering as an individual's subjective inability to cope with experienced suffering.
- Proposed "unbearable suffering" for NANDA taxonomy, Domain 9 (Coping/Stress Tolerance), Class 2 (Coping Responses).
- Highlighted the crucial role of nurses in identifying and mitigating end-of-life suffering.
Conclusions:
- Formalizing "unbearable suffering" as a nursing diagnosis is essential for targeted interventions.
- This diagnosis can improve the identification and management of profound patient distress.
- Nurses are pivotal in addressing high levels of suffering, particularly in end-of-life care.
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