Caring for those who care for the dying: Coping with the demands on palliative care workers

Abstract

The article reviews the complex and demanding field of palliative care, noting the sources of the stresses and strains that the health care workers often encounter. It illustrates the multidimensional needs of patients, the reasons why they and/or their families may hamper palliative care, and, mostly, what can be done to deal with and—better yet—prevent palliative workers' burnout.