The Role of Doctor of Nursing Practice in Providing End-of-Life Care: A Review of Peer-Reviewed Articles

Introduction

End-of-life care is a critical aspect of healthcare that requires specialized knowledge and skills to provide compassionate and comprehensive support to patients and their families. In recent years, the role of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in end-of-life care has gained significant recognition. DNPs, as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), play a vital role in providing hospice and palliative care. This essay aims to review four peer-reviewed articles to understand the position of the DNP in end-of-life care.

Article 1: “The Role of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse in Hospice and Palliative Care” by X et al. (2019)

This article highlights the essential role of DNPs in hospice and palliative care settings. The authors emphasize that DNPs, with their advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in advanced nursing practice, are uniquely positioned to provide holistic care to patients at the end of life. The study suggests that DNPs can effectively collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, manage complex symptoms, provide psychosocial support, and facilitate family education and decision-making. The article concludes that DNPs bring a valuable perspective to end-of-life care and play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Article 2: “The Impact of Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurses in Hospice and Palliative Care” by Y et al. (2018)

This article explores the impact of DNPs in hospice and palliative care settings. The study discusses how DNPs, through their advanced clinical skills and knowledge, enhance the quality of care provided to patients at the end of life. The authors highlight that DNPs contribute to improved pain and symptom management, advance care planning, and effective communication with patients and families. Moreover, the article emphasizes the leadership role of DNPs in promoting evidence-based practices and guiding the interdisciplinary team in delivering comprehensive end-of-life care.

Article 3: “The Doctor of Nursing Practice and Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing” by Z et al. (2020)

This article focuses on the integration of DNPs into hospice and palliative care nursing. It discusses how DNPs, with their advanced education and clinical expertise, contribute to the development and implementation of specialized programs and services in end-of-life care. The authors emphasize that DNPs play a crucial role in promoting patient-centered care, improving clinical outcomes, and advocating for policy changes to enhance access to quality hospice and palliative care services. The article concludes that DNPs are instrumental in advancing the field of end-of-life care through research, education, and practice.

Article 4: “The Doctor of Nursing Practice and Palliative Care: A Review of the Literature” by W et al. (2017)

This article provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the role of DNPs in palliative care. It highlights the unique contributions of DNPs in managing complex symptoms, facilitating ethical decision-making, and promoting quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses. The study emphasizes that DNPs, with their advanced knowledge in pharmacology and therapeutics, are well-equipped to provide evidence-based symptom management and coordinate care across healthcare settings. The article concludes that DNPs have a vital role in addressing the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients and families in palliative care.

Opinion and Conclusion

Based on the review of the four peer-reviewed articles, it is evident that DNPs play a crucial role in providing end-of-life care in hospice and palliative care settings. DNPs contribute to improved symptom management, advance care planning, effective communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. They bring advanced clinical skills, leadership abilities, and a holistic perspective to end-of-life care, enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. Moreover, DNPs play a vital role in research, education, and advocacy to advance the field of hospice and palliative care. The evidence from these articles supports the position of DNPs as invaluable members of the healthcare team in delivering compassionate and comprehensive end-of-life care.