An investigation into the perceived stressors for staff working in the hospice service

This article reports on the findings of phase two of a study into stress and coaching needs in two hospices in the United Kingdom. Phase one was a cross-sectional study to assess the levels of stress and the main stressors as experienced by members of staff working within these two hospices. Phase two of the study uses qualitative methodology with the purpose of obtaining a deeper understanding of the stressors as experienced by hospice staff. Two focus groups were held, one at each hospice, and the data were analysed using grounded theory as its theoretical framework. A further aim of the current study was to identify coaching needs among this staff group in order to develop a tailor-made coaching programme for this service.