Purpose: This study aimed to explore intensive care unit nurses' perceptions of end-of-life care and to identify strategies for improving patient comfort in the intensive care unit. Methods: This was a mixed-methods study comprising two phases. In Phase 1, we conducted focus group interviews to investigate how intensive care unit nurses perceived end-of-life care and its specific components within an intensive care unit setting. Phase 2 involved a descriptive questionnaire, utilizing items derived from the focus group interviews to assess how intensive care unit nurses evaluated the components of end-of-life care they provided in the intensive care unit. Results: The findings of the study’s two phases revealed that in end-of-life care, nurses aimed to provide comfort by connecting patients with their families, spiritual beliefs, social networks, and life experiences, while addressing challenges within the broader scope of nursing practice in the intensive care unit. Conclusion This study examined intensive care unit nurses' perceptions of end-of-life care, the elements of end-of-life care, their practical implementation, and the associated priorities. These findings will help nurses in intensive care units determine and organize priorities in end-of-life care. For patients facing death in the intensive care unit and for the nurses who care for them, the obstacles involved in end-of-life care must be better overcome.

Purpose: The importance of wound care as a part of end-of-life care is rising due to aging populations and increased chronic disease prevalence. This study developed a comprehensive competency framework on palliative wound care for nursing staff within long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Methods: The study utilized a three-phased exploratory methods approach involving topic modeling, expert interviews, and a Delphi survey. Results: Four key competencies emerged regarding nursing competency for palliative wound care in LTCFs: (1) building partnerships with patients and caregivers, (2) an individual approach to wound treatment based on understanding the patient's situation, (3) a holistic approach through shared information and cooperative decision-making, and (4) integration of wound management knowledge within end-of-life care. Conclusion This framework supports developing targeted training programs for nurses to improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients in LTCFs.

Purpose: The importance of wound care as a part of end-of-life care is rising due to aging populations and increased chronic disease prevalence. This study developed a comprehensive competency framework on palliative wound care for nursing staff within long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Methods: The study utilized a three-phased exploratory methods approach involving topic modeling, expert interviews, and a Delphi survey. Results: Four key competencies emerged regarding nursing competency for palliative wound care in LTCFs: (1) building partnerships with patients and caregivers, (2) an individual approach to wound treatment based on understanding the patient's situation, (3) a holistic approach through shared information and cooperative decision-making, and (4) integration of wound management knowledge within end-of-life care. Conclusion This framework supports developing targeted training programs for nurses to improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients in LTCFs.

Purpose: The importance of wound care as a part of end-of-life care is rising due to aging populations and increased chronic disease prevalence. This study developed a comprehensive competency framework on palliative wound care for nursing staff within long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Methods: The study utilized a three-phased exploratory methods approach involving topic modeling, expert interviews, and a Delphi survey. Results: Four key competencies emerged regarding nursing competency for palliative wound care in LTCFs: (1) building partnerships with patients and caregivers, (2) an individual approach to wound treatment based on understanding the patient's situation, (3) a holistic approach through shared information and cooperative decision-making, and (4) integration of wound management knowledge within end-of-life care. Conclusion This framework supports developing targeted training programs for nurses to improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients in LTCFs.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, with additive manufacturing, can aid in the production of various kinds of patient-specific medical devices and implants in medical fields, which cannot be covered by mass production systems for producing conventional devices/implants. The simulator-based medical image demonstrates the anatomical structure of the disease, which can be used for education, diagnosis, preparation of treatment plan and preoperative surgical guide, etc. The surgical guide is used as a patient-specific medical device for guiding incision, resection, insertion, and marking. As 3D printers can output materials that can be inserted into the human body, the patient-specific implant device that reflects the patient's anatomy and surgical plan could be of relevance. In addition, patient-specific aids, including gibs, splints, prostheses, and epitheses, could be used for a better outcome. Finally, bio-printing is also used to cultivate cells to produce functional artificial tissues.