 The caregiver's perspective on existential and spiritual distress in palliative care There is a paucity of research relating to how palliative caregivers conceptualize,
identify, and provide for spiritual and existential domains of care. Focus groups
comprising experienced palliative care providers participated in three semistructured
2-2.5 hour interviews, which were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.
Eight themes were revealed: conceptualization of spirituality; creating openings;
issues of transference and countertransference; cumulative grief; healing connections;
the wounded healer; sustaining a healing environment for the caregiver; and
challenges and strengths for the spiritual and existential domains of palliative
care. While the spiritual and existential domains were variously conceived by
experienced care providers, their significance for both patient and caregiver
was affirmed. Transference and countertransference issues and the "wounded healer"
concept were considered fundamental to effective care. Strategies for promoting
therapeutic depth discussion were suggested and the importance of self-awareness
and staff support emphasized. Boston PH, Mount BM. From J
Pain Symptom Manage. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2006 Jul;32(1):13-26. |
| Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care Beth Israel Medical Center, New York City ©2005 Continuum Health Partners, Inc. www.stoppain.org/palliative_care |
 |