An exploration of the lived experience of professional grief among occupational therapists working in palliative care settings.

Abstract

Occupational therapists who work in palliative care are frequently exposed to the experience of death and dying. Previous occupational therapy research has offered insight into factors that influence feelings relating to death and dying and associated coping strategies. However, existing literature is dated and has not specifically examined the concept of grief. This study addresses this gap in knowledge by exploring the lived experience of professional grief among occupational therapists working in palliative care settings. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six Australian palliative care occupational therapists. The data were collected and analysed using an interpretive phenomenological approach. Four interrelated themes were identified as core to the lived experience of professional grief among participants. These included; 'knowledge of self', 'giving permission for connections and feelings', 'filtering experience' and 'being present at work and at home'. Considered in combination, these themes offer a guide for therapists to explore their own experience of and responses to professional grief and, in doing so, foster the development of personalised management strategies.