End of Life Decision-Making: Watson's Theory of Human Caring

Nurs Sci Q. 2020 Jan;33(1):73-78. doi: 10.1177/0894318419881807.

Abstract

The phenomenon of end-of-life (EOL) decision-making is a lived experience by which individuals or families make decisions about care they will receive prior to death. A postmodern philosophical approach suggests EOL decision-making is a varied contextual phenomenon that is highly influenced by subjectivity. Thus, there is no specific definition for the phenomenon of EOL decision-making. Watson's theory of human caring complements a postmodern approach in guiding the nursing process of caring for individuals as they experience EOL decision-making.

Keywords: Watson’s theory of human caring; end of life decision-making; postmodernism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Advance Care Planning / organization & administration*
  • Decision Making
  • Empathy*
  • Humans
  • Nurse-Patient Relations
  • Nursing Theory*
  • Terminal Care / organization & administration*