 | Author(s) | | | Vagnair A and Forster R |
| Publication | | | European Journal of Palliative Care |
| Reference | | | Vol. 10 (4) |
| Publication Date | | | 2003 |
|  |  Relevant to all nurses in all areas.
 | What is the problem and what is known about it so far? |
When patients reach the terminal phase of there illness it is often felt that moving them into a single private room is needed to allow privacy at the end of life, but is this best practice for the patient.
| Why did the researchers do this particular study? |
The researchers attended a training course on management practices, which made them reflect on practice within their ward area. Who was studied? 80 nurses The study looked at patients who had died in one of two departments. How was the study done? A two-stage investigation, which identified the movement of patients between rooms. A questionnaire was distributed to 80 nurses with a response rate of 65.5%.
| What were the findings? |
The findings showed that the majority of patients changed rooms (only 13% stayed in the same room during their stay). For the patients who moved they could move up to 5 times. 72.9% died in a single room 5% died in a two-bedded room 5% died in a five-bedded room When asked for a rationale for the movement of patients Patient's state of health Request from the patient/family Well being of other patients Suitable conditions for quality time with patients.
| What are the limitations? |
This small study has highlighted issues in practice, however the results are not generalisable. Further analysis and explanation of the methodology would be beneficial.
| What are the implications? |
The study highlights the need for nurses to involve patients and family in decisions.
Comment by: Tracey Burgoyne, Lecturer Practitioner Cancer Care, University of Central England Birmingham, 2004.
|
