Impact of Compassion Competence and Death Perception on Dignity Care of Terminally Ill Patients among General Hospital Nurses
10.15715/kjhcom.2025.20.1.89
- Author:
Je Une KIM
1
Author Information
1. Lecturer, College of Nursing, Jeju National University
- Publication Type:Research Article
- From:
Health Communication
2025;20(1):89-98
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
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Abstract:
Purpose:: This study investigated the level of dignity care provided to terminally ill patients by general hospital nurses and examined how compassion competence and death perception influence dignity care.
Methods:: A total of 233 nurses with at least six months of clinical experience, including experience caring for terminally ill patients, participated in this cross-sectional survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, Duncan tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.
Results:: The mean score for dignity care was 2.84 ± 0.52, compassion competence was 3.74 ± 0.49, positive perception toward death was 4.64 ± 0.70, and negative perception toward death was 4.30 ± 0.77. Dignity care differed significantly by age, total clinical experience, end-of-life/hospice/dignity nursing education experience, and the perceived need for dignity care education (all p<.05). Dignity care showed a significant positive correlation with compassion competence (r= .66, p<.001) and a significant negative correlation with negative perception toward death (r= -.17, p= .010). Stepwise multiple regression identified compassion competence (β= .60, p<.001), end-of-life/hospice/dignity nursing education experience (β= .19, p<.001), and the need for dignity care education (β= .14, p=.004) as significant predictors, explaining 50% of the variance in dignity care (F= 77.95, p<.001).
Conclusion:: These findings suggest that enhancing compassion competence and providing targeted education may improve dignity care for terminally ill patients. Further research should develop and evaluate practical educational interventions, implement training to strengthen compassion competence, and conduct qualitative studies to explore the complex factors affecting dignity care.
