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Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Exploring the dreams of hospice workers
Shirley A Hess1, Sarah Knox, Clara E Hill
11Department of Counseling, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA, USA.
Summary
Hospice workers
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Thanatology
- Healthcare Professionals
Background:
- Hospice care involves unique stressors for healthcare professionals.
- Understanding the psychological impact of end-of-life care is crucial.
- Limited research exists on the dream experiences of hospice workers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the manifest content and psychological insights derived from hospice workers' dreams about patients.
- To understand how these dreams reflect and inform the experiences of working in hospice settings.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of audiotaped dream sessions from nine hospice workers.
- Consensual qualitative research methodology was employed.
- Focus on dreams involving direct patient interaction and emotional responses.
Main Results:
- Patients frequently appeared in dreams, which were typically realistic.
- Dreamers often experienced frustration in their caretaker role, highlighting limitations in providing complete comfort.
- Dreams provided insights into work-related stress, personal death anxieties, and broader interpersonal dynamics.
- Post-dream reflection led to a desire for improved self-care and life balance.
Conclusions:
- Dreams of hospice workers offer a unique window into the emotional and psychological challenges of end-of-life care.
- Dream content can illuminate the stress, fears, and coping mechanisms relevant to hospice professionals.
- Findings suggest the importance of supporting hospice workers' well-being and self-care practices.
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