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. 2022 Aug 2;19(15):9461.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph19159461.

Existential and Spiritual Attitudes of Polish Medical and Nursing Staff towards Death

Krzysztof Zdziarski  1 , Paulina Zabielska  1 , Sylwia Wieder-Huszla  2 , Iwona Bąk  3 , Katarzyna Cheba  3 , Mariola Głowacka  4 , Beata Karakiewicz  1
Affiliations

Existential and Spiritual Attitudes of Polish Medical and Nursing Staff towards Death

Krzysztof Zdziarski et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Issues related to death are difficult areas of human existence and are most often considered in terms of ethical or non-ethical behaviour. The aim of the research was to examine the attitudes of Polish medical and nursing personnel towards death. The research was conducted among medical (110 people) and nursing staff (110 people) working in Polish hospitals and representing 16 regions. The Questionnaire About Attitudes to Death (DAP-R-PL) was used. The attitude of medical staff, taking into account the holistic approach to the patient in his existential-spiritual dimension, is an extremely important element of professional care. The study outlines the attitudes of medical and nursing staff towards death. Medical personnel under examination demonstrate a mature attitude towards death. In light of this research, health care workers show great commitment to helping dying people with existential and spiritual needs.

Keywords: axiology; end of life; interaction; medical and nursing staff; patient.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Box-whisker plot for FD and DA attitudes.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Box-whisker plot for AA and AE attitudes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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