Death wishes and death thoughts in paediatric palliative care: a survey of German healthcare professionals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In paediatric palliative care (PPC), expressions related to death range from diffuse thoughts of dying "death thoughts" (DT) to explicit articulations of a desire to die "death wishes" (DW). These expressions pose significant ethical, clinical, and communicative challenges. Although often conflated in public discourse, DT and DW are conceptually distinct and have different implications for care, communication, and ethical reflection. This survey aimed to investigate how healthcare professionals (HCP) in Germany perceive, differentiate, and respond to these expressions in PPC practice.

Methods

A nationwide online survey was conducted among multidisciplinary PPC professionals in Germany. The 43-item questionnaire included closed- and open-ended questions, addressing

SUBMITTER: Alt F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12817703 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature