The experiences of physicians, nurses, and social workers providing end-of-life care in a pediatric acute-care hospital

Death Stud. 2020;44(2):105-116. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2018.1526829. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the experiences of social workers, nurses, and physicians providing end-of-life care to children in a pediatric acute-care hospital setting. Findings demonstrated that participants experienced both professional and personal impacts of their work and employed various coping strategies under each of these domains. The acute-care setting was found to create unique challenges in providing end-of-life care. Implications for policy and practice include promotion of both individual and institutional-level coping strategies and supports that meet the various needs of staff. Implications for future research include a nuanced examination of differences in experiences among nurses, social workers, and physicians.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Hospitals, Pediatric*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Staff, Hospital / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology*
  • Social Workers / psychology*
  • Terminal Care / psychology*