The Hospice journal
-
Burnout is a job-related state characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion which can be caused by intense involvement over an extended period of time with people who are experiencing psychological and/or physical problems. People working in the health care professions have been identified as being particularly at risk for experiencing burnout. ⋯ None of the hospice organizational factors tested were significantly related to burnout. Further research is necessary to determine whether or not such factors as staff support systems are effective in mitigating burnout among staff in the health care field.
-
AIDS, a recently discovered, contagious, potentially fatal disease has created alarm in some segments of our society. Policy makers in hospices and all facilities that care for dying patients can benefit from the experience of others who have already cared for AIDS patients. ⋯ The psychosocial impact of AIDS patient care on hospice staff is one of the issues that must be addressed if the experience is going to be a positive one for both the hospice and the patient/patient family. Three suggestions are made about hospice procedures that may decrease problems: successful acknowledgement of institutional and personal fear and anxiety; adequate inservice training; development of strong support networks.