Experiences of End-of-Life Care Among Medical Staff in Acute Care Hospitals: A Qualitative Study

This study explored the experiences of physicians and nurses providing end-of-life care in Korean acute care hospitals. It aimed to identify the challenges faced in caring for dying patients and to suggest strategies for improving hospital-based end-of-life care.

A qualitative exploratory design was employed using focus group interviews. Eleven healthcare professionals (five physicians and six nurses) working in tertiary or general hospitals participated in the study between July and August 2018. The interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide covering seven thematic areas. All sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke's framework.

Six major themes emerged (1) communication with patients and families, (2) physical care for dying patients, (3) psychological and spiritual support, (4) hospital environment and system constraints, (5) moral distress and emotional burden on healthcare providers, and (6) suggestions for improvement. The participants described difficulties in open communication, limited resources for comfort care, emotional strain from invasive treatment at the end of life, and the absence of standardized institutional protocols. They emphasized the need for structured communication training, multidisciplinary collaboration, and integration of palliative care principles into acute care practice.

Physicians and nurses play a pivotal yet emotionally demanding role in providing end-of-life care in acute hospitals. Institutional reforms, including education, protocol development, and supportive environments, are essential to ensuring dignified, patient-centered care and sustain healthcare providers in their professional roles.