Internal medicine residents’ perceptions and experiences in palliative care: a qualitative study in the United Arab Emirates

BMC Palliative Care

Dana Abdul Hay¹  Thana Harhara¹  Halah Ibrahim²  Dalal S. Almansoori³ 

[1] Department of Medicine, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates;Department of Medicine, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates;Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates;Department of Medicine, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates;

关键词: Palliative care;    End-of-life care;    Medical residents;    Graduate medical education;    Communication;    United Arab Emirates;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12904-022-00908-5

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundPalliative medicine is a newly developing field in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of internal medicine residents providing end-of-life care to patients and their families, and how those experiences shape their learning needs.MethodNine focus groups were conducted with internal medicine residents and recent graduates from two large academic health centers in the UAE between 2019 and 2020. Through an iterative process, data were collected and examined using constant comparison to identify themes and explore their relationships.ResultsFifty-two residents and graduates participated. Residents frequently care for terminally ill patients and their families, but lack confidence in their skills and request more structured education and training. Cultural and system related factors also impact palliative care education and patient care. Five main themes and associated subthemes were identified: (1) clinical management of palliative patients, (2) patient and family communication skills, (3) religion, (4) barriers to end-of-life education, and (5) emotional impact of managing dying patients.ConclusionOur findings can help guide program development and curricular changes for internal medicine residents in the region. Structured education in end-of-life care, with a focus on fostering culturally sensitive communication skills and spirituality, can improve resident education and patient care. Clear and transparent policies at the institution level are necessary. Programs are also needed to assist residents in developing effective coping strategies and emotionally navigating experiences with patient death.

【 授权许可】

CC BY