LAUSR

Abstract Objective The aim of this critically appraised literature is to explore the current knowledge and current status of research evidence about palliative care as applied to the nursing context. Methods MEDLINE, PubMed, and CINAHL online databases or systematic engine search were utilized to obtain the research articles relevant to this literature review. The data consisted of 31 research articles about palliative care nursing. Thus, 30 eligible studies and literature were identified. The researcher used content analysis as a qualitative approach in reviewing the articles. Data analysis were performed from October 10 to December 5, 2018. Results This synopsis of critical appraisal revealed four emerging general themes. The major themes include basic concepts of palliative care nursing, palliative care assessment, fundamental palliative care skills, and palliative care team. The first major theme is the basic concepts of palliative care nursing. This comprised of definition, characteristics, principles, levels, approaches, and philosophy. For palliative care assessment, the following subthemes were generated: physical, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, and family support. Third, basic/fundamental palliative care skills emerged from this literature review, namely: symptom management, pain control, communication skills, supportive care, advance care planning, and end-of-life care. Last major theme is the palliative care team which comprise of the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary team like physicians, nurses, practitioners, social workers, chaplains, pharmacists, gerontologists, rehabilitation therapists, psychiatrists, and dieticians. Conclusion The study concluded that there are only limited research findings that are currently available about palliative care nursing.