Afrontamiento ante la muerte en profesionales de cuidados paliativos. Variables moduladoras y consecuentes

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the factors that influence competence for coping with death in palliative care professionals, and how this influences the professional quality of life (compassion fatigue, risk of burnout and compassion satisfaction). This is a descriptive cross-sectional study on a sample of palliative care professionals. The study was conducted using an anonymous self-administered survey. The study design was made from a model based on the self-awareness of Kearney and Weininger (2011). It has been analyzed by structural equation modeling, to what extent the different variables of study to analyze them as a whole, affect the professional quality of life, understood as the concept of Stamm (2005), (compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction and burnout risk). The findings of this study support the idea that the practice of self-care and the development of self-awareness facilitate the development of the resources of the internal world of professionals, which directly affects their professional quality of life. Results may help design actions at different levels with the ultimate aim of improving the therapeutic relationship. It’s necessary to implement strategies at individual, interpersonal and organizational perspective to minimize the emotional impact and prevent the occurrence of negative consequences. From this study we can deduce the need to promote a holistic self-care practices among professionals in palliative care. The need for programs to improve awareness (such as mindfulness) in formal and continuing education of health professionals and especially those working with people at the end of life. Competence of coping with death can be an indicator to consider when defining the profiles of palliative care professionals.