Voices from the Frontline: Nurses' Insights on End-of-Life Care through the Palliative Care Value-Added Course - A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVES

Palliative care education empowers nurses to provide compassionate, competent end-of-life care. It enhances communication, emotional resilience and patient-centred practices, improving the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses. Structured training, such as the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) course, strengthens clinical skills, reduces burnout and ensures dignified, holistic care in diverse healthcare settings. The present study explores the experience of nurses trained in the ELNEC palliative care course, which significantly improves their professional capabilities and attitudes towards end-of-life care.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This phenomenological study explored nurses' experiences after completing the ELNEC Palliative Care Value-Added Course. Using purposive sampling, seven hospital-based nurses were interviewed online. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's method. Ethical approval was obtained, and participant confidentiality was ensured. Findings reflect the course's impact on practice, communication and emotional preparedness in end-of-life care.

RESULTS

Seven female nurses aged 22-26 participated in this phenomenological study. Thematic analysis using Colaizzi's method revealed enhanced patient-centred care, empathetic communication, emotional competence and professional resilience as major outcomes of ELNEC training. Participants advocated curriculum integration and emphasised practical exposure to strengthen value-added palliative care education further.

CONCLUSION

ELNEC training enhances nurses' end-of-life care skills, communication and confidence, improving patient outcomes and professional satisfaction. Emphasising comprehensive, simulation-based learning further strengthens their capabilities in delivering compassionate, high-quality palliative care.