Being the Backbone of Care: Nurses’ Experiences in Managing Palliative Emergencies through Interprofessional Collaboration in the Emergency Department
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/saludcyt20262635Keywords:
palliative emergency care, interprofessional collaboration, nurses’ experiences, ethical dilemmas, qualitative studyAbstract
Introduction: emergency nurses often experience tension between following life-saving protocols that emphasize rapid resuscitation and applying palliative care principles centered on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. This contradiction generates emotional distress, ethical dilemmas, and communication challenges with patients, families, and interprofessional teams in the Emergency Department (ED). This study aimed to explore nurses’ experiences managing palliative emergencies in the ED.
Method: a qualitative descriptive design was used with data source triangulation. Participants included ten emergency nurses, five palliative patients, and five family caregivers. Data were collected through online focus group discussions with nurses and face-to-face semi-structured interviews with patients and their families until data saturation was reached. Thematic analysis was performed, supported by peer debriefing and member checking, to ensure trustworthiness. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained from all participants.
Results: five major themes emerged: (1) integration of interprofessional collaboration in managing palliative emergencies, with doctors and nurses as the backbone of care; (2) initial management of palliative patients following general emergency protocols without standardized screening; (3) emotional and ethical strain during decision-making; (4) challenges, including limited resources and family unpreparedness; and (5) the need for specialized systems and structured interprofessional collaboration to ensure comprehensive and compassionate care.
Conclusions: nurses play a pivotal role in managing palliative emergencies through collaborative, compassionate, and timely interventions. Strengthening interprofessional collaboration, integrating early palliative screening, and enhancing nursing competencies are essential strategies to improve quality of care for patients with life-limiting conditions in emergency settings.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ni Luh Putu Inca Buntari Agustini, Israfil Israfil, I Gede Putu Darma Suyasa, Ni Luh Dwi Indrayani, Ni Made Dewi Wahyunadi (Author)
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