Physician-related psychosocial factors influencing the end of life care and decission-making process

The end of life care is recently regarded as a highly important research area in psychological disciplines such as medical psychology and thanatology. Psychosocial aspects, in addition to medical factors, also play a role in the care of dying patients and need to be better understood and taken into account in practice. The aim of this review was to explore psychosocial factors that influence the end of life care and decision-making process of physicians based on a literature review. Databases MEDLINE/Pubmed, Scopus a ProQuest Health and Medical Collection were systematically searched for a literature review. Considering selection criteria, the authors employed twenty-eight studies in English. Based on them, they identified the following physician-related psychosocial factors that affect processes: gender, age, professional experience and practice, spirituality, attitudes and beliefs, specialization, education and experience in end of life care, sociocultural and work environment. The authors then summarized the terminology of theoretical concepts used in the chosen studies and pointed out their heterogeneity. Research attention in this area and application of knowledge should lead to consideration of psychosocial factors affecting the end of life care and to improve the quality of life in patients, their family members, and health professionals as well. The findings can also serve as a valuable enrichment of the knowledge base for teaching undergraduate psychology students, participants in qualification course Psychologist in Health Care, and medical students.