Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe and illuminate the practical knowledge of personal hygiene care provided by nurses in palliative care units to end-stage cancer patients by focusing on the thoughts, feeling and actions of nurses.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews and participant observations were conducted with five nurses and the data were subjected to qualitative descriptive analysis.
Results: Five themes were identified. Nurses planned care so as to "create circumstances that promote motivation toward activities of personal hygiene", and engaged in "provision of care that is based on the immediate situation". Nurses also provided care from the perspectives of comfort and safety, through approaches such as "building a relationship with patients by understanding their feelings and situation through various means" and "providing care while confirming patient and family responses", and engaged in "questioning the significance of care".
Conclusion: Personal hygiene care of end-stage cancer patients was provided through the thoughts, feelings and actions of nurses, who have a sensitive understanding of the changing conditions and feelings of patients. This provision of care represented significant acts for patients and their families.
