Introduction: Gratitude's psychological value is evident in palliative care, where
patients face psychological challenges. This study extends prior research by exploring
gratitude's impact on Lausanne University Hospital's palliative care professionals,
considering its effects and contextual factors. The goal is to comprehend their
motivations and influences.
Methodology: Our qualitative study, rooted in social constructivism, involved
healthcare professionals from Lausanne University Hospital's palliative care service.
These professionals volunteered to participate in the research. Two-phase semi-
structured interviews covered thank-you letters and open-ended discussions on
gratitude in both professional and personal spheres. Our ethical approach prioritized
consent, privacy, and confidentiality. Thematic analysis served as the robust
methodological framework, aiming for a comprehensive exploration of gratitude's role
in the lives of healthcare workers in palliative and supportive care.
Results: Nine participants, including nurses, doctors, a nurse-psychologist, and a
spiritual caregiver, all working in palliative care, partook in the interviews. Given the
exploratory nature of this master's study, the number of participants was
predetermined, rendering data saturation considerations irrelevant. The research
uncovered themes aligned with three objectives: Discerning Valued Gratitude
Elements: Themes like authenticity, personalization, trust, spontaneity, sincerity, and
patient/family investment in gratitude emerged. Impact on Professional and
Personal Life: Gratitude boosted motivation and well-being in both professional and
personal aspects, offering potential protection by highlighting positive impact in
adversity. Nonetheless, it wasn't seen as an absolute professional satisfaction
requirement. Influencing Factors: Emotional connection influenced gratitude impact.
Strong bonds and responsibilities led to deeper effects. Participants valued gratitude
but didn't rely solely on it for validation.
Discussion: Our participants valued genuine, personal gratitude. Trust and patient
bonds are key. Gratitude motivates, builds teamwork, and boosts well-being. Excess
gratitude or tough situations, on the other hand, may cause discomfort. Deep patient
connections amplify gratitude. Experienced professionals cherish gratitude but don't
depend on it for validation, prioritizing meaningful care. Findings align with Aparicio et
al.'s (2022) study on palliative professionals' gratitude experiences, emphasizing
authentic expressions' transformative nature, bridging personal and professional life.
Gratitude complements intrinsic motivation but isn't the sole driving force. Beyond
gratitude, factors like a positive work environment, effective leadership, colleague
relationships, and a sense of service to patients and families contribute significantly to
healthcare worker motivation, purpose, and job satisfaction.
Limitations, Reflexivity and Perspectives: This study presents limitations, including
voluntary participation, potential bias in views, and a lack of inter-rater analysis.
Cultural factors, highlighted by Aparicio et al., should be considered when extending
findings beyond this context. Incorporating gratitude into therapy is complex due to its
authentic and spontaneous nature. Small, thoughtful management interventions show
promise but must maintain authenticity. Participants express discomfort with group
gratitude analysis but suggest honest, spontaneous gratitude reflection sessions, a
potential area for future research. Interviews reveal protective factors such as personal
satisfaction, learning, respect, and challenges. Exploring these themes in future
studies can enhance understanding of palliative care workers' motivators.
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Conclusion: This research aligns with existing gratitude studies in healthcare,
emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to understand palliative healthcare
workers' well-being. While gratitude expressions play a crucial role, they are part of a
broader array of factors shaping professional experiences. Future research can delve
deeper into these elements to further support and motivate palliative care
professionals.