Educational interventions for intensive care nurses on palliative care: A systematic review

The primary objective was to identify existing educational interventions on palliative care aimed at intensive care unit nurses. The secondary aims were to evaluate their impact, analyse their methodological quality, determine their components, and synthesise their outcomes.

Studies published over the past 10 years (2014-2024) were analysed from databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Search strategy was updated in October 2025.

A systematic literature review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline. Delivery format, duration, providers and recipients, content domains, and effectiveness of the interventions were systematically reviewed. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (CRD42025630154).

Seven quasi-experimental studies and one randomised controlled trial were analysed. Three recurring domains emerged across the content of eight studies: cognitive, behavioural, and ethical-moral. Five interventions were delivered in person, while the remaining three used an online format. Variables used to measure effectiveness included knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, communication skills, moral distress, and compassion. All showed improvement following the intervention.

The analysed educational interventions demonstrated significant improvements that directly impact the quality of palliative care provided, promoting comprehensive, compassionate, dignified, and patient-centred care.