Bereavement care is integral to oncology but seldom formalized in residency curricula. We assessed bereavement education, self-perceived preparedness, and emotional burden among oncology residents, and explored associations between formal training and preparedness.>

We conducted an anonymous web-based cross-sectional survey of 165 oncology residents from 25 countries. Items assessed demographics, training characteristics, formal bereavement education, caregiver interactions, preparedness, challenges, and emotional consequences. Associations between formal training and 4-level preparedness used χ2; a binary contrast (≥“Somewhat prepared” vs <“Somewhat prepared”) estimated odds ratios (ORs). Pearson’s assessed correlation between caregiver-interaction frequency and preparedness.r

Respondents were 55.2% female; 47.9% worked in academic centers; 44.2% had ≥5 years of training. Formal bereavement education was uncommon (17.0%). Preparedness was “Somewhat/Very” in 53.3% and “Not very/Not at all” in 46.7%. Training was associated with higher preparedness (χ2=13.03, df=3, =0.0046); being at least “Somewhat prepared” was more likely with training (OR 3.94, 95% CI 1.51–10.33). Interaction frequency correlated weakly with preparedness (=0.15). Common challenges were emotional fatigue (64.8%), fear of overstepping professional boundaries (56.4%), lack of training (53.3%), and time constraints (50.3%). Emotional consequences were frequent: 54.5% occasionally and 27.3% deeply affected; 36.6% had considered leaving residency. Nearly all endorsed bereavement education as integral to oncology training (99.4%).

Training gaps co-exist with substantial emotional burden. Structured bereavement curricula, mentorship, and reflective practice may strengthen preparedness and resilience and improve caregiver support. Prospective studies should evaluate implementation strategies and effects on clinician well-being and care delivery.>

Bereavement care is one of the major components of hospice palliative care. Previous studies revealed the barriers to the success of the system, including lack of time or support from mental health professionals. Few studies have explored the intrapersonal barriers to bereavement care by clinical staff. The aims of the study were to explore (1) the emotional and cognitive barriers of bereavement care by hospice palliative care staff and (2) the demographic and work characteristics related to these emotional and cognitive barriers.

The participants were clinical staff (n = 301) who were working in hospice palliative care units, including hospice wards, home care, and hospital-based palliative care teams. Their professional backgrounds included physicians (n = 12), nurses (n = 172), social workers (n = 59), psychologists (n = 34), spiritual care specialists (n = 15), and others (n = 9). A cross-sectional design was used and a standardized questionnaire including emotional and cognitive barriers was developed. Information on demographic and work characteristics was also collected. Content validity index, an exploratory factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis were conducted.

One emotional barrier, “negative emotional reactions” (13 items, Cronbach's α = 0.92), and three cognitive barriers, “lack of ability” (7 items, Cronbach's α = 0.85), “belief in avoidance” (5 items, Cronbach's α = 0.86), and “outcome expectancy” (4 items, Cronbach's α = 0.85) were identified. Clinical staff who had higher working stress, lower self-rated ability for bereavement care, and higher negative impact from major life loss tended to have higher emotional and cognitive barriers.

Clinical staff should be aware of intrapersonal barriers to bereavement care. Educational programs should be developed to improve the ability to engage in bereavement care.