Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

Setup and Execution of the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Death Notification Curriculum
Published on: August 5, 2020
Beyond knowledge and skills: self-competence in working with death, dying, and bereavement
Wallace Chi Ho Chan1, Agnes Fong Tin2
1Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong. chchan@swk.cuhk.edu.hk
Abstract:
This study explored helping professionals' views on death work competencies. A total of 176 helping professionals were invited to state what the necessary competencies in death work are. Content analysis was conducted. Results showed that death work competencies can be categorized into 4 major areas: (a) knowledge competence, (b) practice competence, (c) self-competence, and (d) work-environment competence. Self-competence was the most frequently mentioned by the participants. Self-competence was further categorized into 3 themes: (a) personal resources, (b) existential coping, and (c) emotional coping. Findings reflect helping professionals' emphasis on the role of self and personal preparation in doing death work. Implications on future death education and training for helping professionals were discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Kubler Ross's Stages of Dying
In denial, individuals reject the reality of their condition, often thinking, "This isn't true; I feel fine," as a way to protect themselves from...
Bonanno's Theory of Grieving
Resilience
Ethical Dilemmas II
The Professional Nurse
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.
Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...

