Abstract
There is great potential within general practice for doctors to neglect their own physical, emotional and spiritual needs as a result of the ever-increasing demands of their role. Such neglect is neither in the interests of doctors, their families or their patients. Ultimately, a healthy, balanced and emotionally stable doctor is a doctor who is likely to make better decisions. Looking after patients with palliative care needs can place particular burdens on GPs, especially if there has been a long-term relationship with the patient; the patient evokes memories of close personal experiences from the past; or the physical and emotional burdens that the patient faces are unusually difficult. This article will look at the issues surrounding compassion fatigue, burnout and resilience, and discuss the ways in which a GP can devise strategies to manage the former while trying to build the latter.
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