Fig. 1

Conceptual framework for Kolcaba's Comfort Theory: Healthcare needs—comfort needs in physical, psychospiritual, environmental and social-cultural contexts; Comforting interventions—therapeutic interventions to enhance comfort; Intervening variables—factors that HCPs cannot easily change (i.e. extent of social support, financial resources); HSBs—internal (i.e. healing), external (i.e. self-care activities) and a peaceful death; Institutional integrity—the value, financial stability and wholeness of health care organisations at the local, regional, state and national levels