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The experiences, coping mechanisms, and impact of death and dying on palliative medicine specialists

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 June 2013

Sofia C. Zambrano ,
Anna Chur-Hansen  and
Gregory B. Crawford
Sofia C. Zambrano*
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia School of Medicine, Discipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
Anna Chur-Hansen
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
Gregory B. Crawford
Affiliation:
School of Medicine, Discipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia Mary Potter Hospice, Adelaide, Australia
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Sofia C Zambrano, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Eleanor Harrald Building, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia. E-mail: sofia.zambranoramos@adelaide.edu.au
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Abstract

Objectives:

Research on the experiences, coping mechanisms, and impact of death and dying on the lives of palliative medicine specialists is limited. Most research focuses on the multidisciplinary team or on nurses who work with the dying. Fewer studies consider medical professionals trained in palliative medicine. This study aimed to explore the experiences, coping mechanisms, and impact of death and dying on palliative medicine specialists when dealing with their patients at the end of life.

Methods:

A qualitative research approach guided the study, one-on-one interview data were analyzed thematically. A purposeful sampling technique was employed for participant recruitment. Seven palliative medicine specialists practicing in one city participated in open-ended, in-depth interviews.

Results:

The analysis of participants' accounts identified three distinct themes. These were Being with the dying, Being affected by death, and dying and Adjusting to the impact of death and dying.

Significance of results:

This study further contributes to the understanding of the impact of death and dying on professionals who care for dying patients and their families. Despite the stressors and the potential for burnout and compassion fatigue, these participants employed strategies that enhanced meaning-making and emphasized the rewards of their work. However, the consequences of work stressors cannot be underestimated in the practice of palliative care.

Keywords

Palliative medicine physicianspsychological adjustmentlife experiencesend of life care
Type
Original Articles
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 12 , Issue 4 , August 2014 , pp. 309 - 316
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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