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
3993 - Prophylaxis with Lipegfilgrastim in patients with primary breast cancer receiving dose dense chemotherapy: results from the German NIS NADENS
Presenter: Marion Kiechle
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
3471 - Randomized phase 2 trial evaluating the safety of peripherally inserted central catheters vs implanted port catheters during adjuvant chemotherapy in early breast cancer patients.
Presenter: Florian Clatot
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
1327 - Simultaneous intravenous fluid infusion to prevent oxaliplatin infusion-related venous pain
Presenter: Stefan Van Ravensteijn
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
5004 - Clinical practice evaluation of opioids induced constipation management in cancer patients: The EIO-Praxis project.
Presenter: Enrique Aranda Aguilar
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
2222 - Analysis of the efficacy of naloxegol in a real-world 12 weeks of follow-up study, in patients with cancer and opioid-induced constipation with laxative-inadequate response.
Presenter: Manuel Cobo Dols
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
5556 - Consensus on strategies in the management of opioid-induced constipation in cancer patients
Presenter: Regina Girones Sarrio
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
3913 - Effect of Chinese Herbal Compound LC09 on Patients With Capecitabine-Associated Hand-Foot Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Presenter: Yanni Lou
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
2208 - A prospective study about the complementary medicine among patients with cancers
Presenter: Wala Ben Kridis
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
1082 - Prevalence and management of Potentially Inappropriate Medication use and Potential Omissions in Medication in older cancer patients - the PIM POM study
Presenter: Fianne van Loveren
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract
1701 - Immunogenicity and optimal timing of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination during adjuvant chemotherapy in gastric and colorectal cancer : A randomized controlled trial
Presenter: Wonyoung Choi
Session: Poster Display session 1
Resources:
Abstract