Pregledni rad

Ethical considerations at the end-of-life grief

Jelena Bilić orcid.org/0009-0003-5257-4102 ; Dom zdravlja Istok, Zagreb *

* Dopisni autor.

Sažetak

Grief is a natural reaction to the loss of a loved one, affecting each person in a different way. The characteristics of grief depend on the person, their age, and the manner of loss – whether the person died of natural causes, due to illness, accident, suicide, or other causes. In order to help people who are facing loss, there are certain ethical principles that healthcare professionals must know, understand, and apply in their daily work. Those experiencing loss go through five stages of grief, and the support they receive from their loved ones and from professionals can significantly influence the grieving process. Likewise, doctors and other healthcare professionals go through stages of grief, especially when, after prolonged treatment, they are no longer able to help their patient. This is particularly relevant in intensive care units, in work with oncology patients, or at the end of life as part of palliative care. By applying ethical principles and an ethical approach to grief in the care of bereaved individuals, healthcare professionals not only ensure dignified and compassionate care for patients and their family members, but also promote their own mental health and professional well-being. Therefore, the aim of this article was to demonstrate the importance of an ethical approach when providing care and support to bereaved individuals at the end of life.

Ključne riječi

patient; ethical approach; end of life; grief support; death; dying; grief

Hrčak ID:

330283

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/330283

Datum izdavanja:

22.4.2025.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

Posjeta: 235 *