Flourishing, religion, and burnout among caregivers working in pediatric palliative care

Flourishing, religion, and burnout among caregivers working in pediatric palliative care

Oberholzer AE; Doolittle BR

International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine

2024

child; Palliative Care; article; controlled study; female; human; male; palliative therapy; coping; dying; South Africa; qualitative analysis; caregiver; cross-sectional study; prevalence; adolescent; multidisciplinary team; convenience sample; job satisfaction; religion; work environment; life satisfaction; terminally ill patient; burnout; job stress

Introduction: Providers working with children who are dying are especially prone to burnout. Encouraging models of human flourishing may mitigate burnout and improve quality of care. However, models of job satisfaction and human flourishing have not been well-described. This project explores factors that promote human flourishing among caregivers working with children in pediatric palliative care in South Africa. Methods: A convenience sample of caregivers working in pediatric palliative care were invited to complete an anonymous, confidential survey comprised of validated instruments. The survey also included open-ended questions to explore opinions and attitudes about satisfaction, struggles, and coping. Results: Twenty-nine people from a variety of occupations and work environments completed the survey. The prevalence of burnout was 3/29 (10%). Life satisfaction was associated with private religious activities (P = .38, P < .05), and carrying religion into all aspects of life (P = .44, P < .05). Burnout was not associated with life satisfaction. Qualitative analysis of the open-ended questions revealed the following themes as factors contributing to their joy in work: being able to make a difference, finding meaning and purpose, having a relationship with the children and their families, and with the multi-disciplinary team. The greatest challenges in their work were identified as the lack of resources, challenges within their team, and emotional demands. Conclusions: Despite job stress and working with terminally ill children, several factors were associated with flourishing. These findings are particularly relevant to enhance caregiving in the resource-challenged setting of pediatric palliative care in South Africa.

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