Attitudes of medical doctors, nurses and paramedics towards death

Abstract

Introduction: The phenomenon and experience of death are fundamental aspects of human existence, explored and presented across diverse contexts. The issue of attitudes to death is a very important element in the interactions taking place between medical personnel and patients. The aim of this study was to provide an insight into the attitudes of doctors, nurses and paramedics towards death. Method: The study was conducted using the Questionnaire of Attitudes Towards Death, which was completed by 320 respondents. Results: Results from the survey show that the most concrete existential and spiritual attitudes towards death are presented by paramedics compared to the group of medical doctors and nurses. Conclusion: The problem described is part of a broad discussion on attitudes to death and provides an opportunity for reflection on this phenomenon, especially in the perspective of modern medical technologies, which in many situations limit interactions with patients. Our findings suggest that professional role significantly shapes these attitudes, with paramedics exhibiting the strongest spiritual and escape-oriented acceptance, while physicians demonstrate the most detached perspective.