Critical care nurses' role in the decision-making process of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment: A qualitative systematic review

AimTo synthesise the qualitative evidence regarding the role of critical care nurses in the decision-making process of withdrawing life-sustaining treatment in critically ill adults. DesignQualitative systematic review. Review MethodsThis qualitative systematic review employed the guidelines of Bettany-Saltikov and McSherry. The review was reported according to the ENTREQ checklist. Pairs of authors independently assessed eligibility, appraised methodological quality and extracted data. Data were synthesised using thematic synthesis. Data SourcesCINAHL, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for studies published between January 2001 and November 2021. ResultsTwenty-three studies were included. Three analytical themes were synthesised: performing ethical decision-making to safeguard patients' needs rights, and wishes; tailoring a supporting role to guide the family's decision-making process; and taking on the role of the middleman by performing coordination. ConclusionThe role of the critical care nurses in the decision-making process in withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment requires experience and the development of the clinical perspective of critical care nurses. Implications for the profession and/or patient careEnhanced knowledge of the decision-making process of withdrawing life-sustaining treatment can prepare critical care nurses to be more equipped to master this role and enhance their ability to handle the emotional and moral stress associated with this part of the critical care unit. ImpactThe literature reveals the complex and challenging role of critical care nurses during the decision-making process of withdrawing life-sustaining treatment. Critical care nurses perform ethical decision-making to safeguard patients' concerns, guide the family's decision-making process and take on the role of the middleman. The findings have implications for critical nurses working in critical care units in hospitals and for educators and students in training in critical care nursing. Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution was included.