The presentation is about a comparative study from a cross-sectional study among nurses and care workers in geriatric long-term care facilities in Japan.
160 care workers and 83 nurses returned the questionnaire. 77.4% of participants experienced end-of-life care. Both professionals agreed with promoting quality care, such as continuous education and multidisciplinary cooperation. Care workers are more likely to have less confidence in their knowledge and skills compared to nurses (p < 0.001). 71.9% of the caregivers and 88.0% of the nurses experienced end-of-life care. Although the care workers were more nervous and anxious (p < 0.025), the sense of accomplishment after taking care of residents toward the very last moment was higher (p < 0.03).
Care workers often look after older adults closely with an emotional bond so that reducing anxiety could contribute more to a sense of accomplishment by providing continuous education that meets their needs. To increase interprofessional collaboration, a future study must describe what each professional feels and thinks of end-of-life care so that an in-depth interview with the workers can explore ethical conflicts and educational needs in detail.
