Visual perceptions of a good death: A mixed-methods study on the perceptions of nursing students in Turkey toward a good death

Aim

To provide a comprehensive understanding of nursing students' perceptions of a good death.

Background

Although the concept of a good death has been widely discussed in the literature for many years, its complex and multifaceted nature makes it difficult to define clearly. Research examining nursing students' perceptions of a good death is limited.

Design

A convergent mixed-methods study.

Methods

Quantitative and qualitative data were collected concurrently and independently, with equal emphasis, following a mixed-methods methodology. Quantitative data were based on descriptive and correlation analyses of surveys using the Good Death Scale, the Assessment Scale of Attitudes Toward the Principles of Dying with Dignity and the Multidimensional Mortality Awareness Measure, while qualitative data were analyzed using Rose's critical visual methodology.

Results

The findings indicated that the total Good Death Scale mean score was 56.18 ± 7.07. The total Good Death Scale score showed a significant positive correlation with the mortality legacy, mortality acceptance and the Assessment Scale of Attitudes Toward the Principles of Dying with Dignity score. The analysis of participants' drawings and their explanations revealed two main themes: “readiness for death” and “managing the moment of death,” along with seven sub-themes. The synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data generated one discordant, four concordant and two expanded meta-inferences about the concept of a good death.

Conclusions

Shaping nursing students' perceptions of a good death in a positive way underscores the importance of enhancing death awareness, providing both theoretical and practical knowledge and embracing the principles of dignified dying.