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. 2025 Apr-Jun;48(2):150-165.
doi: 10.1097/ANS.0000000000000515. Epub 2023 Oct 13.

Caring to the End: An Empirical Application of Swanson's Caring Theory to End-of-Life Care

Rachel Gilbert  1 , Daniela Lillekroken
Affiliations

Caring to the End: An Empirical Application of Swanson's Caring Theory to End-of-Life Care

Rachel Gilbert et al. ANS Adv Nurs Sci. 2025 Apr-Jun.

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to explore the applicability of Swanson's middle-range theory of caring within the context of end-of-life care provided to nursing home residents. A secondary analysis of data collected from 5 individual interviews and 1 focus group with a total of 9 nurses employed at nursing homes was conducted using qualitative deductive content analysis. The findings highlight the influence of nurses' caring attitudes and behaviors on providing end-of-life care, which are described as caring processes. Additionally, the study emphasizes the valuable role of Swanson's theory in guiding end-of-life care practices in nursing homes.

Keywords: Swanson's theory of caring; caring; deductive content analysis; end-of-life care; next-of-kin; nurses; nursing home residents; nursing homes; qualitative research.

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