Dignified death: a mixed study on knowledge, attitudes and meanings among nursing students

Muerte digna: estudio mixto sobre conocimientos, actitudes y significados de estudiantes de enfermería

Introduction: death is a major concern of human beings, where it´s approach depends on multiple factors which contribute to determine its meaning and implement care towards dignifying it. Objective: to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and the meaning of dignified death for nursing students. Methodology: a 2-phase sequential mixed research: phase 1) a cross-sectional descriptive analysis including students who completed an ad hoc designed questionnaire on knowledge and attitudes; phase 2) theory based on the participation in focus groups to broaden understanding. This is a study carrying no risk according to Resolution 8430 of 1993. Results: 112 students participated in the quantitative phase, 93.75% had experienced the death of a patient during their training. They showed attitudes including interest towards death and dignity and recognized their lack of knowledge. 31 students participated in the qualitative phase where two main categories emerged: 1) constructing meanings for death, and 2) nursing care to promote patient dignity at death. Conclusion: nursing students expressed attitudes of interest and sensitivity regarding nursing care that dignifies death. However, the students noted difficulties that need to be addressed during training.

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