Conference
| Title | Impacts of a Patient's Death Under A Health Provider's Care Posted by Clowe Jondonero |
| Authors | Clowe D. Jondonero, Cesar Demayo, Mark Anthony Torres, Jacklyn Naelga, Jessica Renegado |
| Publication date | July 2009 |
| Conference | 31st National Academy of Science and Technology Scientific Conference - Active Aging: Preparing for Quality Life |
| Volume | Volume 31 |
| Issue | No. 1 |
| Pages | 163 |
| Publisher | National Academy of Science and Technology |
| Abstract | When someone dies, the impact of the death on the family and friends are often thought about. What about the impacts on those were caring for the patient? Health care provider are often expected to put on a brave front in public when the patient dies. It was goal of this study to determine the effects of a patient's death on a health provider. Data were gathered from three hospitals: Don Gregorio T. Lluch Memorial Hospital, Dr. Uy and Mindanao Sanitarium and hospital. The respondents were registered nurses, student nurses and medical assistants who had experienced death and dying patients under their care. They were recruited after having asked permission from the chief of hospital and the chief nurse. Structured questionnaires were used. The results showed that health care professionals especially new and student nurses, grieved over the death of their patients. Sadness, guilt, helplessness, shock, and depression were the most frequently cited reactions experienced by the health care provider over the loss of their patient. These emotions show health care providers go through a uniquely human grieving process. It was however observed that as the length of experience ad number of patient deaths under the health care provider's care increase, grieving and depression are reduced. Health care providers usually suppress their emotions so that their efficiency and competence in work do not get affected. While a patients death may create a general change in attitude and perceptions of a health care provider towards their work, the study revealed that care providers do not allow their emotions to affect their ability to provide competent health care. This indicates a high degree of professionalism among the respondents. The results of the study highlight the need to include death education courses in the nursing program. These courses must become an integral part of the nursing general knowledge curriculum before the nurses take their clinical practice courses. |
| Index terms / Keywords | health care provider, death, impact |