Date of Completion

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Keywords

Post Mortem Care

Abstract

The study aims to describe the experiences of nurses in providing postmortem care to patients using a qualitative descriptive research design using purposive sampling. The researchers conducted face-to-face and online interviews with the participants, which were audio-recorded and transcribed. Following the transcription process, the data was analyzed using the six phases of Thematic Analysis by Braun and Clarke (2012). In this process, significant meanings were identified, and themes were formed. The findings of this study resulted in 135 significant statements, seven (7) themes, and eight (8) subthemes were derived. Protocols on postmortem care include the provision of time for grieving for the family of the deceased patient, provision of physical care, and provision of religious needs with consideration of the patient’s family’s culture. Further, documentation is vital in ensuring proper postmortem care, including patient identification. Postmortem protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic focused on the immediate transfer of the patient’s body to the morgue, resulting in the non- provision of time for grieving for the family. While they were novices in postmortem care, participants did not know what to do despite the didactics provided. Their proficiency increased as some of them continued to be exposed and experience postmortem care. Desensitization to the experience of death and postmortem care happened as a result. Respect for the deceased patient is why the participants treat the patient’s body with care and for praying for the dead. On another note, participants felt empathy and sympathy, which brought feelings of gratitude for not being the one experiencing death and burden as they recalled the postmortem care experience. Participants consider the relatives as patients who require support, empathy, and understanding. Participants cope with patient loss and postmortem care by practicing emotional resilience. Likewise, they recognize the role of other nurses in teaching them and providing moral support. They also realized that the reality of postmortem care, especially for novice nurses, is different from what is taught in the classroom, that death is part of one’s life, and that death at a later age is considered more acceptable than death at a younger age.

First Advisor

Nenette A. de Leon

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