The role of religious values in coping with difficulties faced by palliative care health professionals

In this study, the difficulties faced by healthcare professionals serving in palliative care services and the role of religious values in dealing with these difficulties were examined. The main purpose of this thesis is to identify the difficulties faced by healthcare professionals and the role of religious values in their solution. For this purpose, in-depth interviews were made with a group of healthcare professionals consisting of ten health personnel, two doctors, one psychologist, five nurses and two cleaning staff serving in palliative care services in İzmir. The research also includes participant observation method. According to the main findings of the study; The participants experience the difficulties mentioned in the literature in their lives. They receive support from religious and spiritual values such as doing a useful job, gaining rewards, praying, patience and prayer, and benefiting from their professional knowledge and experience such as dealing with the troubles and difficulties they face. Therefore, it is recommended that people who are spiritually and psychologically strong should work in these services. Keywords: Palliative Care, Terminal Period, Death Anxiety, Religious Values, Spiritual Support.