[Quality of life and Potential Incriminating Factors Among Palliative Care Givers: A German Survey of the KOMPACT Working Group].

AIM OF THE STUDY: Due to the aging population in Germany, the need for palliative care institutions will increase. Considering the lack of resources, work stress of palliative care nurses could increase significantly. It was the aim of this study to identify risk factors for job overload and work stress of palliative care nurses in the inpatient and outpatient setting.

METHODS: In cooperation with the KOMPACT Working Group, we conducted an anonymous survey of palliative care givers in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. We used a paper questionnaire to inquire about job stress and workload, self-assessment of health condition and aspects about mental and emotional well-being. 167 palliative care nurses from 34 different institutions participated in the survey.

RESULTS: The results showed a significant difference between inpatient and outpatient palliative care workers regarding the type and intensity of work stress. The overall stress level was significantly higher for the nurses in inpatient palliative care units (p<0.001). A high weekly working time combined with missing work experience in the field of palliative care led to a poorer compatibility of job and family. Higher stress levels resulted in a lower satisfaction with the work. Dissatisfaction with the working conditions was associated with a worse health status defined by self-assessment. Mental and emotional condition of palliative care nurses was significantly worse in comparison with the norm sample, many nurses showed "strikingly" or even "seriously" high values. The survey also showed that the structural conditions in inpatient palliative care units were not optimal.

CONCLUSION: Compared to outpatient palliative care services, working conditions seem to be worse in inpatient palliative care setting, which could result in higher stress for the nurses. Interventions to reduce work-related stress appear not to be well implemented in the daily work of palliative care nurses. Standards for care as well as advanced training programs for palliative care nurses should be reevaluated.