Authors
- Ružića Marinić – University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Department of Nursing and Health Care, Coordinator of Palliative Care, Zagreb, Croatia
- Biljana Filipović – University of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Department of Nursing, Rijeka, Croatia
- Boris Ilić – University of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Department of Nursing, Rijeka, Croatia
- Ana Joka – University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Department of Nursing and Health Care, Coordinator of Palliative Care, Zagreb, Croatia
- Cecilija Rotim – Rotim Polyclinic, Zagreb, Croatia
- Adriano Friganović – University of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Department of Nursing, Rijeka, Croatia
DOI
https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.9.1.7
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
Background: Healthcare professionals working in palliative and end-of-life settings are repeatedly exposed to patient death, which may affect emotional well-being and the quality of care provided.
Aim: To synthesize the literature on healthcare professionals’ experiences of coping with patient death and to examine implications for professional well-being and healthcare quality.
Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted. Databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ProQuest, EBSCOhost, Hrčak, Google Scholar) were searched in March 2025 using predefined Boolean combinations and MeSH terms. Studies published between 2013 and 2025 in English or Croatian were included. Findings were synthesized thematically.
Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Emotional burden, coping strategies, educational preparedness, and organizational influences were identified as key thematic domains.
Conclusions: Structured education, supervision, and organizational support may help mitigate emotional burden and sustain high-quality patient-centred care.
Keywords:
Death, adaptation, psychological, nurses, palliative care, professional burnout, quality of health care.