Upholding an ideal image of palliative work in the face of obstacles

OBJECTIVE: Homecare workers play a pivotal role in palliative care, but research on their experiences is limited. The aim of this study was to describe how homecare workers in Sweden experience their work in palliative homecare.

METHOD:This qualitative study used open-ended interviews with a purposive sample of 15 homecare workers. The data was analysed by means of qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS: One main theme emerged from the analysis: upholding an ideal image of palliative work. This had four subthemes: doing good; doing their best work; feeling work satisfaction; and facing difficulties.

CONCLUSION: Palliative care performed by homecare workers is demanding. Homecare workers need more practical support and would benefit from a care model that involves working with registered nurses, as a team, to provide humanistic care to dying patients and their relatives.