• Donna Goodridge, John B Bond, Cynthia Cameron, and Elizabeth McKean.
• College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Canada. donna.goodridge@usask.ca
• Int J Palliat Nurs. 2005 May 1;11(5):226-32.

AimTo examine the perspectives of family members, registered nurses and healthcare aides regarding the last 72 hours of Canadian nursing home residents' lives.Study DesignExploratory, descriptive design using semistructured interviews.SampleConsisted of 14 registered nurses and eight healthcare aides who had provided care within the last 72 hours before a resident's death and four family members who had visited within the same time frame.SettingA 220-bed nursing home located within a larger long-term care facility in Canada.MethodsThematic analysis was conducted independently and through consensus identified themes and subthemes emerging from the interviews.FindingsDyspnea was a more common end-of-life (EoL) symptom for nursing home residents in this sample than was pain. Caring behaviours of staff were central to the resident's dying process and involved assessment, coordination of care, physical care, family education and nurture. Family members' ambivalence about the resident's death and fear of the resident dying alone were frequently noted.ConclusionsAppropriate and timely symptom management and a range of caring behaviours of staff are critical elements in the dying experience of nursing home residents. Additional education and support for personnel involved with caring for this group will enhance end-of-life care.

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