Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to identify the roles of nurses who co-visit with home care doctors in end-of-life care. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews and descriptive thematic analysis. Participants included nurses who co-visit with home care doctors, home care physicians, visiting nurses, care managers, and visiting pharmacists. Families of patients who experienced home-based end-of-life care also participated in the study. Results: Nine roles were identified: (1) assisting with medical procedures, (2) collaborating with physicians, (3) facilitating understanding of physician explanations, (4) supporting decision-making, (5) providing care to patients and families, (6) creating a supportive environment in the medical care setting, (7) collecting information and assessing from a holistic perspective, (8) coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and (9) educating on end-of-life and palliative care to medical teams. Discussion: Through interviews with various stakeholders, the roles of co-visiting nurses were clarified. Compared to visiting nurses, co-visiting nurses with home care doctors have unique roles that unfold simultaneously with physicians’ medical care while serving as coordinators in palliative home-based care.
