Dying well: factors that influence the provision of good end‐of‐life care for older people in acute and long‐stay care settings in Ireland

Aim. The aim of this study was to explore key stakeholders and direct care managers’ perspectives on the current provision of end‐of‐life care for older people in acute and long‐stay care settings in Ireland and to construct a model of these. Background. Although the literature reveals a number of factors that impact on end‐of‐life care, no study has examined staff perceptions concerning the provision of good end‐of‐life care for older people in an Irish context. Design. Grounded theory was used. Semi‐structured interviews were employed to collect data between 2007–2008. Method. A purposive sample of 33 staff involved in the delivery of end‐of‐life care to older people working in six sites were selected. Results. Factors that influence provision of end‐of‐life care in Ireland were identified. The core category was ‘dying well’. The potential to ‘die well’ was influenced by three factors, namely philosophy, culture and organisation of care, knowing the person and physical environment and resources. Conclusions. People are living longer consequently acute and long‐stay care setting will increasingly become places where older people die. This study identified the factors that influence the provision of good end‐of‐life care for older people. Mobilising resources to ensure that these factors are considered is crucial to ensuring that regardless of where older people die in Ireland, they will receive the highest standard of care that nurses can provide. Relevance to practice. Understanding the factors that influence the provision of end‐of‐life care in acute and long‐stay facilities in Ireland can help health professionals give more focused support and ensure that influencing factors are addressed so that older people at end‐of‐life receive quality end‐of‐life care.