Death and Dying: Emotional Responses,and Perceived Professional Competences Among Emergency,Hospital and Outpatient Healthcare Personnel: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Some healthcare professionals, particularly in acute and emergency settings, encounter situations involving death and dying, which can cause intense emotional reactions and challenge their communication skills. However, little is known about how personal and professional support affects their self-assessed competence in end-of-life care. This study aimed to examine the relationships between attitudes toward death and perceived communication competence among 614 healthcare workers from hospitals, outpatient clinics, emergency departments, hospices, and nursing homes. Results showed that personnel who discussed death-related topics openly with their relatives reported higher competence in communication and emotional support towards dying patients. Conversely, a lack of family or professional support was associated with lower perceived preparedness. These findings highlight the critical role of social and organizational support in fostering emotional resilience and competence, emphasizing the importance of targeted education and institutional programs that promote openness, confidence, and effective end-of-life communication.