End-of-life Palliative Care: Lived Experiences and Beliefs of Healthcare Professionals with a Focused Ethnography Approach

Introduction: This study explores the experiences and beliefs of healthcare professionals working in end-of-life palliative care in Catalonia, Spain. Recognizing the complex emotional, psychological, and ethical challenges they face, the research aims to deepen understanding of the facilitators and barriers within their clinical practices.Objective: The aim of this research was to explore the lived experiences and beliefs of end-of-life palliative care professionals in a palliative care Unit in Catalunya, Spain.Methods: A qualitative approach was used, focusing on focused ethnography to capture the nuanced realities of healthcare dynamics in palliative care. Seven healthcare professionals (six nurses and one physician) from a public hospital’s palliative care unit participated. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed via thematic coding to identify recurring themes and subthemes.Results: Analysis revealed two primary themes: "Beliefs associated with palliative care clinical practice" and "Lived experiences of working in palliative care." Each theme encompassed individual and interpersonal factors. Key facilitators included coping strategies and teamwork, while barriers involved emotional stress, proximity to death, and resource limitations.Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for institutional support to address the psychological and practical challenges in palliative care. By acknowledging the multifaceted demands on these professionals, targeted interventions can enhance both professional resilience and patient care quality. Further, the study highlights the importance of comprehensive, empathetic training to improve the social visibility and understanding of the psychosocial aspects of end-of-life care