Shared decision-making competency and its associated factors among palliative care nurses: a cross-sectional study in...

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Decision-Making
• Palliative Care

Background:

• Shared decision-making (SDM) is crucial in healthcare, with nurses playing a key role.
• Effective SDM by nurses impacts patient outcomes and satisfaction.
• Palliative care is evolving, necessitating an understanding of nurses' SDM capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the level of SDM competency among palliative care nurses in China.
• To explore factors associated with SDM competency in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted in June-July 2024.
• Data collected from 429 nurses via sociodemographic, SDM competency, and empathy scales.
• Multivariate linear regression analyzed factors influencing SDM competency.

Main Results:

• Palliative care nurses in China exhibit high SDM competency (mean SDMCS 211.72 ± 25.75) and high empathic ability (EA) (mean EAS 132.63 ± 20.30).
• A significant positive correlation exists between EA and SDM competency (r=0.704, P<0.01).
• EA, SDM training experience, and educational background were significant predictors of SDM competency, explaining 55.4% of the variance.

Conclusions:

• Palliative care nurses in China possess high SDM competency and EA.
• Postgraduate education, SDM training, and high EA are linked to enhanced SDM competency.
• Integrating SDM training and empathy-building into nursing education is recommended.