Background Perceptions of care for patients receiving palliative or end-of-life care in the cardiac intensive care unit may differ between physicians and nurses. Aims To evaluate the perceptions of intensivist nurses and physicians regarding the quality of palliative care provided in a cardiac intensive care unit. Methods Cross-sectional study conducted in a cardiac intensive care unit of a large tertiary university hospital in southeastern Brazil, between February and May 2025. Participants completed the Quality of Palliative Care in the Intensive Care Unit Questionnaire. The Quality of Palliative Care in the Intensive Care Unit Questionnaire evaluates ten items, each scored from 0 to 10. Results A total of 34 nurses (63.0%) and 20 physicians (37.0%) participated. Only one item (Item 8: Assessment of the spiritual/religious needs of patients and families) showed no statistically significant difference between professional categories; all other items received lower scores from nurses. The highest mean scores were observed for Item 5 (Communication of care goals to the next professionals (physician or nurse); 6.3 ± 2.4) and Item 7 (Symptom management and ensuring comfort care; 5.8 ± 2.5). Conclusions Nurses and physicians perceive palliative care in the cardiac intensive care unit differently, with physicians assigning scores up to 3.5 points higher than nurses.
Background The impact of having cardiomyopathy can be not only physical, but also mental, emotional, social and financial, resulting in high levels of need among the people it affects. This study explored people's experiences of diagnosis, care and support alongside the broader impacts of living with or caring for someone with cardiomyopathy in the UK. Methods Questionnaire development was informed by five semi-structured, in-depth interviews, analysis of data from a previous survey, and advisory group engagement. Fieldwork ran between July and September 2024, using online and paper survey methods. Results A total of 1323 responses were received. Respondents reported that while overall experiences of care were generally good, many felt they had not received enough support to come to terms with their diagnosis. Some respondents felt involved in decisions about their care and treatment, and that different health professionals worked well together. However, others described challenges relating to employment and financial wellbeing because of having, or caring for someone with, cardiomyopathy. Conclusions The results showed a number of gaps in care and support provision across cardiomyopathy services. Everyone with cardiomyopathy and their parents/carers should receive clear and adequate information and holistic support at all stages of the care pathway. Equal access to specialist cardiac care and comprehensive care planning is essential to ensure optimal health and wellbeing, as well as the delivery of high quality, person-centred care.
