THE DIFFERENCES IN THE EXPERIENCES OF MALE AND FEMALE NURSES IN END OF LIFE CARE IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT : A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Background: End of life care in the ICU is a crucial aspect of medical nursing, where nurses play a vital role in ensuring the comfort of terminal patients and supporting their families. The experiences of male and female nurses in caring for patients at the end of life in the ICU may differ, influenced by factors such as gender, social roles, and cultural norms. This study aims to explore the differences in the experiences of male and female nurses in providing end-of-life care in the ICU through a scoping review of 12 relevant articles.

Methods: A literature search was conducted through databases such as ResearchGate, BMC, Google Scholar, and ProQuest for articles published between 2019 and 2024. From the 12 selected articles, the primary focus was to identify the experiences of male and female nurses and the challenges and adaptation strategies they employ in caring for terminal patients. Results: The scoping review reveals that male and female nurses face different challenges in providing end-of-life care in the ICU. Male nurses tend to suppress their emotions and face social stigma related to their role, whereas female nurses are more emotionally involved with patients and their families, which increases their emotional burden. Both groups face limitations in palliative care training and institutional support. Various adaptation strategies such as stress management, psychosocial support, and communication skills were developed to enhance the quality of care.

Conclusions: Male and female nurses have different experiences in end-of-life care influenced by gender roles. This study highlights the need for more comprehensive palliative care training and institutional policies that support gender equality in terminal care.