Anger in palliative care: a clinical approach

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Oncology
• Psychology

Background:

• Anger is a common and justifiable reaction for patients and families facing advanced disease and loss.
• Patient anger can negatively impact healthcare providers, particularly physicians involved in care.
• Effective management of anger is essential for maintaining therapeutic relationships in palliative care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine qualitative research findings on palliative care workers' experiences with patient and family anger.
• To explore the broader literature and clinical experiences related to managing anger in advanced illness.
• To outline practical strategies for clinicians dealing with angry patients.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research with palliative care workers.
• Literature review of published studies on anger in advanced disease.
• Analysis of authors' clinical experiences.

Main Results:

• Effective interaction with angry patients is a learned skill that can redirect emotions and foster therapeutic alliances.
• While most anger can be managed, some patients exhibit persistent anger despite interventions.
• Clinical experience and research highlight the need for specific approaches to persistent anger.

Conclusions:

• Developing skills to manage patient anger is vital for palliative care providers.
• Strategies exist to transform patient anger into more constructive emotional responses.
• Specific approaches are necessary for clinicians to address persistent anger in patients with advanced disease.