Stress Factors for the Paediatric and Adult Palliative Care Multidisciplinary Team and Workplace Wellbeing Solutions.

BACKGROUND: Palliative care is a challenging specialty, especially when it comes to caring for children with serious life-limiting conditions and supporting their families. Workers face significant challenges and experience major impacts on their wellbeing. We conducted a qualitative study to understand the sources of stress in the palliative care team, their work expectations, and how they can cope with the demands. METHODS: We used an online questionnaire about the causes of stress, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ways in which support is needed in the workplace. RESULTS: Of the 56 palliative care professionals who participated in the survey, 57.1% considered the main causes of stress to be high workload, difficult emotional burdens (55.4%) affecting their outlook on life (61.2%), the death of patients (46.4%), and communication with patients' families (26.8%). The COVID-19 pandemic increased stress levels for the majority of respondents (89.3%). The need for specialised training (53.6%), support groups, psychological counselling and adapted organisational policies was highlighted. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates the importance of understanding the needs of both paediatric and adult palliative care staff in order to provide optimal care and support their balance in this demanding area of the healthcare system.

Benefits of Respite Services on the Psycho-Emotional State of Families of Children Admitted to Hospice Palliative Care Unit: Preliminary Study on Parents' Perceptions.

BACKGROUND: In children's palliative care, the term "respite" refers to a temporary break offered to primary caregivers of a child with a life-limiting illness. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of parents who have benefited from respite care services in the Lumina Association, Bacau hospice unit and the benefits it can bring in improving their psycho-emotional state. METHODS: The study consisted of quantitative research involving 34 parents/caregivers who responded to a questionnaire with 26 questions, and qualitative research which involved the organization of a focus group with 12 parents who benefited from respite services. RESULTS: The use of respite services was associated with a significant reduction of psycho-emotional distress on the part of primary caregivers; 91% of respondents said that this type of service reduces the level of psycho-emotional stress. CONCLUSIONS: All participants in the study confirmed that the most important benefit of respite is the time gained to care for family and health. The development of respite services could reduce the risk of emotional exhaustion and mental health problems.