The perception of nurses regarding rendering palliative care in the oncology department at a public hospital in Windhoek, Khomas Region, Namibia

Abstract

This study investigated nurses’ perceptions of providing palliative care within the Oncology Department of a public hospital in Windhoek, Namibia. Palliative care plays a crucial role in addressing the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients facing life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. In Namibia, the incidence of cancer continues to rise, positioning oncology nurses at the center of patient care throughout the illness trajectory. However, challenges such as limited resources, insufficient specialized training, and emotional exhaustion can adversely affect the delivery of quality palliative care. The study aimed to explore and describe nurses’ views on palliative care, identify both barriers and facilitating factors in its provision, and suggest strategies for its improvement in oncology settings. Guided by the interpretivist paradigm, the research sought to understand the subjective meanings and personal experiences that nurses attach to their caregiving roles. A qualitative exploratory design was employed to capture detailed insights into these lived experiences. The theoretical foundation for this study was Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, which emphasizes compassionate, holistic, and patient-centered care. This framework supported the interpretation of emotional, ethical, and relational aspects of palliative nursing. The study targeted a population of 62 registered oncology nurses, from which 15 participants were purposefully selected based on their experience and involvement in palliative care services. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, allowing participants to openly express their thoughts, experiences, and challenges. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed through thematic analysis. This method facilitated the identification of recurring themes and meaningful patterns. The findings revealed that nurses perceive palliative care as a holistic, emotionally intense, and ethically complex service that demands compassion, dedication, and teamwork. Participants emphasized the importance of effective communication with patients and families, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the availability of psychosocial support. Key obstacles included inadequate training, lack of critical resources, emotional burnout, and weak institutional support systems. Despite these difficulties, nurses reported a deep sense of professional fulfillment and moral responsibility in delivering end-of-life care to cancer patients. The study concluded that while nurses are dedicated to delivering quality palliative care, they require institutional support, continuous professional development, and adequate resources to perform their roles effectively.