Spirituality, religiosity, and burnout in Latin American palliative care health care professionals (LAPC).

Abstract

164 Background: Spirituality (S) and religiosity (R) are essential in delivering Quality Palliative Care(PC). There's limited literature regarding Latin American clinicians’ spiritual and religious characteristics, or how these shape their clinical engagement and presence of burnout. Methods: To describe the frequency, intensity and importance of S and R and burnout on the LAPC's practice. From 6/1-12/31, 2017, a crossectional study using an anonymous/voluntary Online Survey was provided to active members of ALCP. We collected and analyzed data regarding demographics, role of S, R, and burnout. Results: 221/353 members from 20 Latin American Countries participated, RR:63%. Median age 47(SD+/-12), 75% were women. 40% Catholic. 58% were physicians, 19% nurses, 12% psychology, and other 12%. The median time of working in PC was 9 years (+/-7). LAPC considered themselves spiritual(median:8/10, range 0-10) and religious (5, 0-10). LAPC considered S/R very important in their lives (9/10, 0-10 and 6/10, 0-10), respectively. LAPC reported that S/R was a source of strength/comfort (9/10, SD+/-2), helped them to cope with their problems (8/10,+/-3), and helped them to keep their quality of life in a stressful work environment (8/10,+/-4). 60% LAPC felt energized and 86% reported not feeling exhausted after taking care of patients who are dying. This is associated with being spiritual (p=0.003) and its importance in life (p=0.025). 86% reported strongly/somewhat agreed with: "I feel called to take care of patients who are dying", this was associated with being spiritual (p=0.044). 31/221(14%) reported being burned out. No significant difference among gender, profession, age, years in PC, or importance of S/R. Having higher (34%) versus not (11%) experience emotional exhaustion after caring of the dying were more likely to report burnout (p<0.000). Those who felt emotionally energized after caring for the dying were less likely to report burnout (p=0.010). Conclusions: Most of LAPC considered themselves spiritual/religious, which has an important role in life and helped them to cope. Low percentage reported presence of burnout. The "call" and feeling energized caring for the dying are associated with less burnout.