Abstract:

Background: Dying with dignity is a basic human right. It signifies the following characteristics: minimal symptom distress and limited invasive treatment, maintaining autonomy and independence, and receiving dignified care in a calm and safe environment. Objectives: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of certain characteristics of the physicians and nurses who provide care for people who are dying on their attitudes related to dying with dignity and peace. Methods: This definitive research was conducted on 590 health professionals (355 nurses, 235 physicians) employed in a university hospital from September 2015 to November 2015. The research data were collected using Sociodemographic and Work- Related Characteristics Questionnaires, Assessment Scale of Attitudes towards Principles about Dying with Dignity and the Thorson Powell Scale of Death Anxiety. Definitive statistics of variable were performed in data assessment and the data were assessed using Mann-Whitney U Test, Kruskal-Wallis H Test and Regression Analysis. Results: The level of adaptation of principles about dying with dignity by the physicians were found to be higher than that of nurses and physicians and nurses agreed with the principles related to intimacy, pain and symptom control, moral support, ability to receive care outside the hospital, determining the individuals who will be with the patient at the last moment. The level of adaptation of principles by the nurses provided training on palliative care were found to be higher than that of the nurses who are not provided training. The variables of professions, ages, professional experiences and training on palliative care of the physicians and nurses were found to be correlated with their attitudes towards principles about dying with dignity. Conclusion: It is recommended that principles about dying with dignity be adopted in institutions offering healthcare

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