Coping strategies of professional staff in caring for hospice patients

Abstract

Literature provides evidence that the hospice professional staff perform their duties in a stressful area, as they are constantly working with the terminally ill and dying patients (Jackson 1997, Munley 1985). They thus need coping strategies to manage stress (Folkman and Lazarus 1984). The purpose of this study aims to explore the coping strategies of professional staff caring for hospice patients. This descriptive study employs a qualitative method and had three main objectives. Firstly, to explore the coping strategies used by the Malta hospice professional staff while on duty and when off duty. Secondly, to investigate the factors which enhance and inhibit coping while on duty and when off duty. Thirdly, to identify the reasons why professional staff use coping strategies. The study was conducted by the use of a semi-structured interview based on the literature. The main themes identified pertaining to coping strategies while on duty and when off duty were teamwork, education, communication, spirituality coping, relaxation for well being and detachment strategies. Moreover, factors influencing coping were team relationship, impaired multidisciplinary team, satisfaction at work, enjoying life and social inhibitors. The main reason for using coping strategies was to maintain psychological well being. Overall, the sample seemed to understand the importance of integrating coping strategies in their lives. In an attempt to minimise stress, this study puts forward recommendations to the clinical and management sectors, education and further research.