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World of Health : World of Health, Vol. 9 No. 1, 2026.

Review article

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.9.1.7

Healthcare professionals’ experiences of coping with patient death and implications for healthcare quality: A structured narrative review

Ruzica Marinic orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-5607-2340 ; University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Department of Nursing and Health Care, Coordinator of Palliative Care *
Biljana Filipovic orcid id orcid.org/0000-0001-9669-9829 ; University of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Nursing; Faculty of Health Studies University of Rijeka, Department of Nursing
Boris Ilic orcid id orcid.org/0000-0003-3990-5627 ; University of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Nursing
Ana Joka ; University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Department of Nursing and Health Care, Coordinator of Palliative Care
Cecilija Rotim ; Rotim Polyclinic
Adriano Friganovic orcid id orcid.org/0000-0002-9528-6464 ; University of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Nursing; Faculty of Health Studies University of Rijeka, Department of Nursing

* Corresponding author.

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Abstract

Background: Healthcare professionals working in palliative
and end-of-life settings are repeatedly exposed to patient death,
which may affect emotional well-being and healthcare quality.
Aim: To synthesize literature on healthcare professionals’
experiences of coping with patient death and examine
implications for professional well-being and healthcare quality.
Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted.
Databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO,
ProQuest, EBSCOhost, Hrčak, Google Scholar) were searched
in March 2025 using predefined Boolean combinations and
MeSH terms. Studies published between 2013 and 2025 in
English or Croatian were eligible. Findings were synthesized
thematically.
Results: Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Emotional
burden, coping strategies, educational preparedness, and
organizational influences were identified as key domains.
Conclusions: Structured education, supervision, and
organizational support may mitigate emotional burden and
maintain high-quality patient-centred care.

Keywords

Death; Adaptation; Psychological; Nurses; Palliative Care; Professional Burnout; Quality of Health Care.

Hrčak ID:

349705

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/349705

Publication date:

31.5.2026.

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