JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Effective communication about prognosis is imperative for enhancing the quality of end-of-life care and improving patient well-being. This practice is sensitive and is heavily influenced by cultural values, beliefs, and norms. This can lead to ethical dilemmas. Despite their significance, ethical challenges in nursing practice relating to prognosis communication are understudied in China.

Objective:

This study aimed to examine the ethical dilemmas relating to prognosis communication and their associated factors.

Methods:

A cross-sectional design was employed to survey 373 oncology nurses in mainland China via online. Data were collected on ethical dilemmas, attitudes, barriers, prognosis communication experiences, and socio-demographic and practice-related information. Ordinary least squares regression was utilized to identify the factors contributing to ethical dilemmas.

Results:

Participants reported a moderate level of ethical dilemmas in prognostic communication (M = 13.5, SD = 3.42, range = 5-20). Significant predictors of these dilemmas included perceived barriers (p < .001), prognosis communication experience (p < .001), and years of work experience (p = .002). Nurses who perceived greater barriers had more negative experiences with prognosis communication, and those with less work experience were more likely to encounter ethical dilemmas in prognosis-related communication

Conclusions:

Chinese oncology nurses frequently encounter ethical dilemmas as well as barriers in prognosis communication. This study's findings emphasize the importance of culturally tailored communication training. Collaborative inter-professional training, particularly through physician-nurse partnerships, can perhaps enhance proficiency in prognosis-related communication.