Overview of the quality of work life of palliative caregivers in Brazil

Abstract

The objective of the article is to provide an initial diagnosis regarding the quality of life of Brazilian palliative caregivers. The following measurement scales were applied in a group of 161 professionals: quality of work life, coping with death, professional self-care, and self-awareness. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, comparison of levels according to sex, age, and other socio-demographic characteristics, and a study of the relation among those variables. Adequate levels were found in both the levels of protection of quality of work life and quality of life itself. The comparisons according to socio-demographic data showed statistically significant relations between the self-awareness levels and sex (which were higher for men), and between age and years of experience as healthcare professionals or palliative caregivers (levels were higher in the case of greater professional experience).