Psychological ethical aspects of healthcare professionals in the care of terminally ill patients

Authors

Abstract

Palliative care aims to assess and monitor patients in order to provide safety and well-being, even in
the presence of illness. Healthcare teams should address suffering across multiple dimensions: physical,
psychological, social, and spiritual. This study investigated the psychological effects experienced by
healthcare professionals during the process of patient death. It is a literature review that highlights
the complexity of the emotional and professional challenges faced by nurses when caring for dying
patients. The findings consistently indicate that specialized training in palliative care, empathetic
communication, and adequate team support can mitigate negative emotional impacts, promoting more
humane and effective care.

Keywords:

psychogical, bereavement, stress, Bereavement. Occupational stress. Health personnel.

Author Biographies

Laércio Júnior, Universidade de Porto, Porto, Portugal.

Laércio Júnior – Doutorando – laerciomedsilvaj@hotmail.com
0000-0002-1460-8637

Rui Nunes, Universidade de Porto, Porto, Portugal.

Rui Nunes – Doutor – ruinunes@med.up.pt
0009-0006-3553-5293

How to Cite

1.
Júnior L, Nunes R. Psychological ethical aspects of healthcare professionals in the care of terminally ill patients. Rev. Bioét. [Internet]. 2026 Oct. 21 [cited 2026 Oct. 21];34. Available from: https://www.revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/4109