Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of healthcare personnel involved in end-of-life care is to ensure a good and dignified death. However, end-of-life care is delivered across various healthcare settings. This qualitative study aimed to identify the priorities and concerns related to end-of-life care shared by healthcare personnel working in hospitals, nursing homes, and municipal home care.

Methods: Twenty-two healthcare personnel from across Norway participated in virtual focus group interviews. Participants represented 3 distinct healthcare settings and had diverse professional backgrounds. Each interview was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was conducted and informed by theory on professional competence.

Results: The analysis demonstrated that ensuring a good death was a shared focus among participants. Across settings, they expressed aligned priorities and concerns regarding end-of-life care. They likened their role to that of a pilot boat skipper, guiding the end-of-life process with a clear focus on: 1) offering support and information, 2) providing symptom relief, and 3) ensuring a presence at the bedside. Each of these themes highlights a key priority in end-of-life care across healthcare settings, along with its associated concerns.

Significance of results: This study demonstrates that healthcare personnel across hospitals, nursing homes, and municipal home care share core priorities of what constitutes a good and dignified death. The findings challenge setting-specific assumptions in end-of-life care and support an emphasis on shared core competencies in education and practice. Overall, the study contributes to a more unified understanding of end-of-life care by highlighting foundational care values that transcend organizational boundaries and professional backgrounds, thereby supporting policies that promote continuity and coherence across care environments.

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