Clinicians' perceptions of the emotional impact of providing palliative care: a qualitative interview study

Dijxhoorn, A.F.; Raijmakers, N.; Linden, Y. van der; Leget, C.; Brom, L. (2022)

Article / Letter to editor

Objectives. Many aspects of palliative care, such as managing (complicated) symptoms, conducting
goals-of-care conversations, and repeated exposure to loss, can be stressful to clinicians.
Previous research on the emotional impact of providing palliative care was mainly
done in specialist settings. However, the majority of palliative care is provided by clinicians
who are not specialized in palliative care, and can be supported by palliative care specialists
only when needed. Therefore, this study aimed to gain insight into the emotional impact
of providing palliative care on clinicians, both palliative care generalists and specialists.
Methods. A qualitative interview study among 21 clinicians (11 doctors and 10 nurses) working
in hospitals, home care, or nursing homes in the Netherlands was conducted. Between
February and June 2019, 13 palliative care generalists and 8 specialists were interviewed.
Interviews were thematically analyzed by two researchers.
Results. All clinicians considered the emotional impact of providing palliative care to be substantial
and experienced both positive and negative aspects of providing palliative care. Several
aspects of providing palliative care can support or undermine emotional stability. These socalled
facilitators and barriers, such as practicing self-care and complexity of palliative care,
were found at three different levels: individual, team, and organization.
Significance of results. Although clinicians experience providing palliative care as meaningful
and valuable, the emotional impact is considerable. Negative and positive aspects often coexist.
Further insight into the dynamics and magnitude of the emotional impact of providing
palliative care is needed in order to create a healthy working environment and develop adequate
interventions.

• Emotional impact
• Healthcare professionals
• Palliative care
• Qualitative research
• Well-being

• All authors: Dijxhoorn, A.F.; Raijmakers, N.; Linden, Y. van der; Leget, C.; Brom, L.
• Date: 2022-08-19
• Journal: Palliative and Supportive Care
• Volume: 21
• Pages: 843 - 849
• DOI: doi:10.1017/S1478951522000980
• Link: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/palliative-and-supportive-care/a...