Utilizing the auditing care at the end-of-life (ACE) tool to examine symptoms among nursing home residents at the end-of-life

Seniors comprise a large proportion of the population and many require care in nursing homes, including end-of-life care. Limited research has been conducted within Canada examining symptoms specific to the last week of life and there is conflicting evidence regarding the association between level of cognitive impairment and symptom experience. The purpose of this exploratory, descriptive study was to examine the symptom experience at the end-of-life among nursing home residents. Using data collected from the Auditing Care at the End-of-Life (ACE) tool, a secondary data analysis was conducted. Dysphagia, pain and respiratory conditions were the most prevalent physical symptoms, while psychosocial symptoms were minimally observed. There was no statistical significance found between symptoms and level of cognitive impairment, however, 65.6% of residents who experienced pain had less cognitive impairment, compared to 34.4% with more severe cognitive impairment. The results of this study have implications for nursing practice, education and research. ; October 2017