Do oncologists engage in bereavement practices? A survey of the Israeli Society of Clinical Oncology and Radiation Therapy (ISCORT)

Abstract

e20588 Background: What happens to the patient-physician relationship after the patient succumbs to the illness? To begin answering this question, we determined the extent to which oncologists are involved in bereavement rituals for their patients. Methods: An e-mail survey was sent to ISCORT oncologists querying them as to their involvement in bereavement rituals including funerals, visitations (e.g., shiva), condolence phone calls, and condolence letters. Results were described using summary statistics, Wilcoxon, and Fisher's exact test. Results: The survey response rate was 69% (126/182). Median age of respondents was 49 y and the male:female ratio was 2:1. Generally, only 2% of oncologists attend funeral services and 1% visit the family. A higher number telephoned the surviving family members (27%) or sent written condolences (18%). When a ‘special bond‘ developed between doctor and patient, there was a significant increase in those who attended the funeral (8%), participated in a visitation (18%), or made phone calls (54%), p < .0001 for all three rituals. There was no higher likelihood to participate in bereavement practices as a function of subspecialty (Medical v. Radiation v. Surgical Oncologist), gender, religiosity, or personal death anxiety. The rank ordered reasons for not participating in bereavement activities are lack of time, fear of burnout, need to maintain boundaries, and death anxiety. Males, more often than females, indicated that time constraints were the most important factor in determining their participation (P = .025). There was a weakly significant association between the physician's spirituality and participation in specific bereavement rituals. Interestingly, 11% of oncologists indicated that they would participate in bereavement visits if compensated for their time. Conclusions: Most oncologists do not engage in bereavement rituals for their deceased patients. When they do, they are less likely to attend a funeral or visit the family, and more likely to send a condolence card or call. No significant financial relationships to disclose.