Pflege Zeitschrift
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Aim of this study was to explore the nursing professionals' experiences and handling of decisions to provide complementary care for patients with breathlessness at the end of life. Therefore, it presents one of the first studies in the German speaking area addressing genuine nursing decisions belonging to their responsibility. Based on Grounded Theory Methodology the data were collected and analysed synchronously. ⋯ At the same time participants described a repertoire of complementary care procedures which they use in their daily nursing routine. This study illustrates the decision making process and outlines the general attitude influencing all decisions and actions of nurses to relieve breathlessness. Furthermore, it shows for the first time a range of currently used complementary care procedures to treat patients with breathlessness at the end of life.