Health professionals' quality of life in relation to end of life care

Curr Opin Support Palliat Care. 2017 Dec;11(4):306-309. doi: 10.1097/SPC.0000000000000307.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Palliative care professionals are frequently exposed to stressful and demanding situations in the assistance of patients and their families, therefore research related to their quality of life is a relevant topic to provide evidence on interventions oriented to professional self-care.

Recent findings: Research about professionals' quality of life is having a profuse development with core concepts being under review.

Summary: Currently, burnout syndrome and compassion fatigue are considered relevant determinants of professionals' quality of life. Self-awareness-based interventions could bring positive influence on the context of a multidimensional approach to professionals' self-care. Self-care topics should be considered to be included in professional training programmes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Burnout, Professional / epidemiology*
  • Compassion Fatigue / epidemiology
  • Empathy
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Palliative Care / psychology*
  • Quality of Life*
  • Self Care / psychology
  • Terminal Care / psychology*