Compassion as the cornerstone of palliative nursing care for patients with heart failure: a phenomenological study

ObjectiveThis study explored the lived experiences of nurses providing such end-of-life care to patients with heart failure using the lens of hermeneutic phenomenology.ResultsThree overarching themes were identified: (1) creation of psychological comfort, (2) offering magnanimity in humanity and (3) the paradox of end-of-life care. The first theme included subthemes related to empathy and psychological support for the family. The second theme included subthemes related to respecting the patient's dignity and altruism, and the third theme included subthemes related to both positive and negative reactions to providing care in this context. A constitutive pattern emerged in the form of "compassion as the cornerstone of end-of-life nursing care for patients with heart failure". Findings reveal the hidden aspects involved in the provision of compassionate care and shine a light on the meaning of this from the perspective of nurses.