Health professionals' quality of life in relation to end of life care.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Palliative care professionals are frequently exposed to stressful and demanding situations in the assistance of patients and their families, therefore research related to their quality of life is a relevant topic to provide evidence on interventions oriented to professional self-care.

RECENT FINDINGS: Research about professionals' quality of life is having a profuse development with core concepts being under review.

SUMMARY: Currently, burnout syndrome and compassion fatigue are considered relevant determinants of professionals' quality of life. Self-awareness-based interventions could bring positive influence on the context of a multidimensional approach to professionals' self-care. Self-care topics should be considered to be included in professional training programmes.