VIETNAMESE AND SWEDISH NURSING STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TO PALLIATIVE CARE.

Abstract: When it comes to taking care of someone who is ill and dying, there are cultural differences regarding the role of the relative and the knowledge and access to palliative care differs between countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate Swedish and Vietnamese nursing students’ attitudes to palliative care. The method used was semi-structured interviews, which were performed in Sweden and Vietnam. A total of 17 interviews took place. The results reveal that in Sweden the individual is the main focus whilst in Vietnam it is the family. The decisions in Vietnam are made by the family and in Sweden the participants say that the decision should belong to the patient. The access of palliative care in Vietnam is limited, due to expensive care and therefore, the use of it is unusual compared to Sweden where it is an essential part of health care. In both countries the participants want what is best for their families. More research is needed to gain a wider understanding of different cultures and the attitudes to palliative care. By broadening the knowledge, it will hopefully improve the health care and the different aspects that needs to be considered when it comes to palliative care.