Abstract 5187
Background
The practice of oncology is challenging, especially when dealing with terminally ill patients and end of life. This is not without an emotional impact on oncologists, with potential negative effect on patient care and personal lives. We aimed to outline the main factors that makes of patients’ death an emotionally difficult experience, and to identify practical coping strategies.
Methods
An online survey was completed by 128 oncologists from three North African countries and France, on March-April 2019. All surveys were anonymous and confidential. The questionnaire included socio-demographic information, and sections about patients’ death and coping strategies.
Results
Most respondents were female (83.5%) and young oncologists (20-40 years-old), with less than 10 years professional experience (85.3%), but seeing more than 50 patients per week, and experiencing 0-2 deaths per month. They were mostly from Tunisia (n = 99), Morocco (n = 25), Algeria (n = 2) and France (n = 2). The majority was medical oncologists (57.9%), then radiation oncologists (29.4%). More than two-thirds of the oncologists reported that young age, long-term relationship and family denial towards the prognosis were the main factors making death or therapeutic failure announcement the most difficult. Unexpected evolution leading to death, and the non-access to more effective treatment in our countries had an emotional impact on 70% of the oncologists. A variety of coping strategies was identified: mainly peer support from colleagues and/or family and friends (53.5%), practicing hobbies (39.4%), seeking support in praying and faith (26.3%). Addictive behavior and/or medications were reported in 9.1%, significantly in single respondents (p 0.051). A majority (n = 83) reported a change in their character noticed by their families since the practice of oncology. The oncologists expressed becoming better able to set priorities (48%), more humble and human (61.4%) and motivated to improve their quality of health care (33.9%).
Conclusions
Dealing with patients’ death and confronting therapeutic failure have obviously an effect on oncologists’ personal life. We need to be aware of this issue, and to propose different coping strategies and interventions.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Resources from the same session
5314 - Spirituality and religious coping for Cancer patients and providers: An ‘Almighty’ belief for palliative care
Presenter: Vibhay Pareek
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
5519 - Is there a difference of Palliative care problems and needs between cancer and non-cancer hospitalized elderly patients?
Presenter: Ioanna Chatzi
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
2505 - There is a lack of clinical research for patients with cancer in palliative care
Presenter: Marie Vinches
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
5273 - Specialist Palliative Care (SPC) in Haematological Malignancy: Establishing practices in a UK Tertiary Cancer Centre (TCC)
Presenter: Emma Kedgley
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
5864 - Evaluation of the relationship between the attachment styles and psychological resilience of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
Presenter: Fatma Bugdayci Basal
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
770 - Gefitinib along with Methotrexate as palliative therapy in PS 3 and above in metastatic squamous cell carcinoma head and neck cancer patients
Presenter: Vidya Dusi
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
4232 - High intensity end-of-life care in pediatrics, adolescent and young adult patients with cancer using an administrative database.
Presenter: Seiko Bun
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
4845 - Embedded outpatient palliative care service within the oncology clinic: Preliminary experience in Hacettepe Oncology Hospital
Presenter: Deniz Can Guven
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
3270 - Internet-based stepped care for individuals with cancer and concurrent anxiety or depression symptoms – results from a randomized controlled trial
Presenter: Birgitta Johansson
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
5503 - Impact of Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy (CBT) on levels of anxiety, depression and distress in cancer patients (pts)
Presenter: Daniela Tregnago
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract