Learning to work with the "unsolvable": building capacity for working with refractory suffering.
This article reports on a preliminary study of the experiences and perceptions of palliative care clinicians in developing capacity for effective, sustainable practice in their work with people who have refractory suffering. Members of a purposive sample of 17 clinicians (10 nurses, 5 doctors, and 2 allied health professionals) were either interviewed (13) or responded to an online questionnaire (4). The study's findings provide insight into these palliative care clinicians' experiences and their perceptions of the capabilities they require, effective learning methods for developing these capabilities, and the supports that can facilitate this capacity building.
Palliative and Supportive Studies, School of Medicine, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001. meg.hegarty@flinders.edu.au
Margaret Mary
MM
Hegarty
Katrina Margaret
KM
Breaden
Catherine Margaret
CM
Swetenham
Carol
C
Grbich
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D011340:Problem Solving; D024382:Professional Role / Q000523:psychology; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D013021:South Australia; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035501:Uncertainty