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Experiences of Hindu Nurses in Providing End-of-Life Care for Pacang Seda Patients in Bali, Indonesia: A Phenomenological Study

Agus Ari Pratama  -  Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan (STIKes) Buleleng, Indonesia
*Shanti Wardaningsih orcid scopus publons  -  Master of Nursing, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Open Access Copyright (c) 2025 by the Authors, Published by Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Background: The quality of nursing care for dying patients is influenced by nurses’ understanding of the signs of dying, which in Balinese Hinduism are contextualized through the concept of Pacang Seda; a near-death phase metaphorically described as emphasizing the attainment of a peaceful final moment. Empirical accounts of nurses’ experiences in caring for Pacang Seda patients remain limited, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and culturally informed insights.

Purpose: To explore the experiences of Hindu nurses in providing end-of-life care for Pacang Seda patients using a descriptive phenomenological approach.

Methods: The study utilized a qualitative research design with a descriptive phenomenological approach. Purposeful sampling was conducted by interviewing Hindu nurses (n = 10) with specific experience caring for Pacang Seda patients. The interviews took place in their homes without any third party present to avoid bias. Data analysis followed the steps outlined in the Colaizzi method, and data validation was conducted through follow-up discussions.

Results: The analysis revealed four main themes derived from the experiences of Hindu nurses: (a) emotional responses, (b) the relationship between medical treatment and Pacang Seda, (c) strengthening families, and (d) the integration of spiritual aspects into nursing practice. Nurses displayed emotional responses and facilitated connections between medical treatment and Pacang Seda. They actively contributed to providing information to strengthen patients’ families and engaged in Pacang Seda care to facilitate a peaceful journey toward death.

Conclusion: The study’s outcomes provide valuable insights into the experiences of Hindu nurses delivering end-of-life care in Bali. The identified themes underscore the significance of emotional responses, the interconnection between medical treatment and Pacang Seda, the pivotal role of nurses in supporting families, and the specific practices associated with Pacang Seda care. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of cultural influences on nursing care, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches in end-of-life care.

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Keywords: End-of-life care; dying patients; nursing experience; peaceful death; pacang seda.

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