An Examination of Psychological Adjustment Process to Getting Close to Death of Palliative Care Staff Using TEM: Focusing on Views on Death and Time Perspectives

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aimed to reveal the psychological adjustment process to getting close to death of palliative care staff focusing on views on death and time perspectives. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 palliative care staff. The obtained data analyzed using TEM (Trajectory Equifinality Model). Results: palliative care staffs worked maintaining mental health by changing the way they perceive death in palliative care careers. In addition, it is speculated that the environment of palliative care where death is familiar extends the perspective to the past, present and future, and promotes the formation of an adaptive time perspective. Furthermore, it was inferred that such an environment would increase awareness to send a better life. Conclusion: It is necessary to understand and to promote positive meaning of view on death of the staff. In addition, it is thought that taking time perspective into palliative care may also lead an awareness of the engagement as a source of human growth and change a consciousness of daily care. Therefore it can be said that taking time perspective into palliative care is very beneficial.