Caring for children and young people with life limiting conditions; coping strategies and impact of wellbeing among qualified social workers working in children's hospices

Introduction: Research is sparse regarding the wellbeing of hospice staff, particularly child hospice staff. Research suggests that health and social care professionals are unlikely to provide high-quality care if they feel under pressure, dissatisfied with their working conditions and poorly supported. The focus of the current literature is often on nursing and medical staff, and very little is known about Social Workers. This study had two aims; 1). To gain an understanding of the impact on wellbeing for Social Workers working with children/young people with life limiting conditions in a hospice setting, and 2). To explore the factors that affect wellbeing in this group, including the coping strategies they employ. Method: A qualitative approach was undertaken interviewing eight participants (qualified Social Workers). The semi-structured interviews explored participant experiences of supporting children/young people living with life limiting conditions and their families in hospice settings. Thematic Analysis (TA) was used to analyse interview data. Results: Three superordinate themes were developed following analysis; ‘my work life balance: sources of support’, ‘doing hospice work’, and ‘what I bring to the role’. Participants acknowledged in recent years that their role has become varied and one that has seen extensive change and transition in light of the national government hospice guidelines. Each of the participants described experiencing generally high work satisfaction and felt privileged to work in their role. Participants discussed the rewards and challenges of their role, and how this impacts their wellbeing. Participants particularly shared insight into working with children/young people at risk of death and those who die, and the barriers in access to services this group may experience. Participants also highlighted protective factors including the importance of work life balance, building positive relationships with colleagues and utilising skills developed from prior hospice experiences. Discussion: Results were discussed in relation to current models of wellbeing and with reference to the literature base. The study provides insight into the workplace culture of a children’s hospice setting. Participants highlighted how they feel supported individually by their hospice colleagues but identified areas of improvement with regards to external support and profession specific supervision. Participants also raised clinical implications for staff support, training and the clinical care provided by children’s hospices.