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The experiences of hospice staff are not well documented in the literature. A thorough understanding of the workplace environment can help to inform the development of effective supports for staff to enable them to thrive in their careers. To this end, Moody (2022) conducted a phenomenological analysis to answer the research question, “How do hospice staff make sense of, and adapt to working in a hospice environment?”
This research study was conducted in the United Kingdom and included semi-structured interviews with six hospice employees that have a minimum of one year experience working directly with patients receiving palliative care. The interviews were analyzed, and eight recurrent themes were identified across all six participants:
- COVID-19 as a barrier to care delivery
- Discomfort is key for personal growth
- Self-preservation is paramount
- Psychological impact of the hospice environment
- Internal conflict surrounding life and death
- Complexities of a firm belief system
- Utopian view of hospices
- Colleagues are a pillar of support
Moody, C. D. (2022). Exploring the Impact and Lived Experiences of Hospice Staff Working in End-of-Life Care: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). OMEGA-Journal of Death and Dying, 00302228221085467.
