Veien videre ... : hvilke erfaringer har intensivsykepleiere når de opplever at behandlingen er nytteløs

Abstract

Background: The intensive care units are high tech departments where the patient has access to advance and expensive resources. The distinction between what is medically and ethically possible is increasing. Due to the medical and technological development, health professionals often experience ethical dilemmas regarding lifesustaining treatment. Purpose: The aim of this study is to describe intensive care nurses experiences as they participate in treatment they perceive as futile. Method: Qualitative methodology with in-depth interviews with six intensive care nurses in intensive care units. The aim is to describe nurses’ experiences. Results: The informants perceive they often give treatment that doesn’t benefit the patient. This may cause frustration, discouragement and lack of motivation. They state the cooperation with the doctors as positive, but experiences situations where the communication and interaction is not to their satisfaction. The informants pointed out the importance to notify the relatives at a early stage when the patient's prognosis is uncertain. The informants view their intensive care nursing role as important in the interdisciplinary team, as well as significant when interacting with the patient and his family. Conclusion: It is perceived challenging for informants when decisions are postponed and communication between physician and intensive care nurses fail. The informants are concerned with open dialogue with patients and their families. They believe their role as intensive care nurses should have an impact on treatment provided.