Hayley Pessin1, Natalie Fenn, Ellen Hendriksen, Antonio P DeRosa, Allison Applebaum. 1. aDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York bDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California cMedical Library, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Existential distress is well documented among patients at end of life (EOL) and increasingly recognized among informal caregivers. However, less information is known about existential concerns among healthcare providers working with patients at EOL, and the impact that such concerns may have on professionals. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent literature documents five key existential themes for professionals working in EOL care: (1) opportunity for introspection; (2) death anxiety and potential to compromise patient care; (3) risk factors and negative impact of existential distress; (4) positive effects such as enhanced meaning and personal growth; and (5) the importance of interventions and self-care. SUMMARY: EOL work can be taxing, yet also highly rewarding. It is critical for healthcare providers to make time for reflection and prioritize self-care in order to effectively cope with the emotional, physical, and existential demands that EOL care precipitates.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Existential distress is well documented among patients at end of life (EOL) and increasingly recognized among informal caregivers. However, less information is known about existential concerns among healthcare providers working with patients at EOL, and the impact that such concerns may have on professionals. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent literature documents five key existential themes for professionals working in EOL care: (1) opportunity for introspection; (2) death anxiety and potential to compromise patient care; (3) risk factors and negative impact of existential distress; (4) positive effects such as enhanced meaning and personal growth; and (5) the importance of interventions and self-care. SUMMARY: EOL work can be taxing, yet also highly rewarding. It is critical for healthcare providers to make time for reflection and prioritize self-care in order to effectively cope with the emotional, physical, and existential demands that EOL care precipitates.
Authors: William E Rosa; Tamryn F Gray; Kimberly Chow; Patricia M Davidson; J Nicholas Dionne-Odom; Viola Karanja; Judy Khanyola; Julius D N Kpoeh; Joseph Lusaka; Samuel T Matula; Polly Mazanec; Patricia J Moreland; Shila Pandey; Amisha Parekh de Campos; Salimah H Meghani Journal: J Hosp Palliat Nurs Date: 2020-08 Impact factor: 1.918
Authors: Min Chiam; Chong Yao Ho; Elaine Quah; Keith Zi Yuan Chua; Caleb Wei Hao Ng; Elijah Gin Lim; Javier Rui Ming Tan; Ruth Si Man Wong; Yun Ting Ong; Yoke Lim Soong; Jin Wei Kwek; Wei Sean Yong; Kiley Wei Jen Loh; Crystal Lim; Stephen Mason; Lalit Kumar Radha Krishna Journal: Philos Ethics Humanit Med Date: 2022-01-26 Impact factor: 2.464