Medical personnel and death

Area of Science:

• Medical Sociology
• Thanatology
• Healthcare Professional Studies

Background:

• Aging populations and medical advancements increase the number of terminally ill patients.
• Healthcare professionals face evolving medico-social challenges and ethical dilemmas regarding death and dying.
• Re-evaluating healthcare professionals' attitudes towards death and terminal illness is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the attitudes of medical personnel towards death and terminally ill patients.
• To understand the psychological and professional preparedness of doctors and nurses in end-of-life care.
• To identify potential barriers or preferences among healthcare professionals regarding work with terminally ill patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted.
• 375 healthcare professionals (168 doctors, 207 nurses) participated.
• Data collected on attitudes towards death and terminal illness, and preparedness for end-of-life care.

Main Results:

• 51% of participants expressed fear of death.
• A majority felt personally (59.4%) and professionally (75.3%) prepared for end-of-life care.
• However, 42.7% indicated a preference against working with terminally ill patients.

Conclusions:

• Significant numbers of healthcare professionals experience fear of death despite professional preparedness.
• A notable percentage would prefer not to work with terminally ill patients, highlighting a potential disconnect.
• Further research is needed to address these attitudes and improve end-of-life care training and support.