Publication
Coping with paediatric end-of-life care: Insights from South African paediatric registrars
Sullivan A, Kling S, Kimmie-Dhansay F, Kruger M · SAJCH South African Journal of Child Health · 2023
Introduction. The provision of end-of-life care and experience of the death of a paediatric patient is challenging. Objective. This study aimed to investigate the experiences and coping strategies of South African (SA) paediatric registrars when providing end-of-life care and experiencing the death of a patient. Methods. A cross-sectional electronic survey conducted among paediatric registrars from eight universities from March - June 2021. Results. 101 out of 320 registrars (32%) responded. They experienced high exposure to paediatric deaths (mean 14 deaths per year, range 2 - 50). 38% (n=37/98) did not feel prepared to cope with the death of a child. 40% (n=39/96) had considered leaving the specialty due to difficulties with coping with paediatric death. There was no significant difference in perceived ability to cope with a death when comparing registrar demographics, experience, or prior training. Overall, coping strategies were largely adaptive. Acceptance, religion and self-distraction were the most commonly used coping sub facets. Overtly maladaptive coping strategies scored low. The mode of death and circumstances surrounding death might impact on the registrar's ability to cope. Debriefing was inconsistently used to support staff following paediatric deaths. Most participants indicated that holistic paediatric end-of-life care training would be valuable. Conclusion. SA paediatric registrars experience considerably more deaths than high income country counterparts, in more challenging socioeconomic conditions. Paediatric training facilities should provide formal end-of-life care training and adequate support following paediatric deaths in order to protect registrars' mental wellbeing and improve end-of-life care for paediatric patients.
Synced from the TRENDS in Pediatric Palliative Care Zotero library, curated by The Siden Research Team. ICPCN does not host or verify the full text.