SPECIAL FEATURES OF PSYCHOSOMATICS IN PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT WORKERS AT «DIADKOVYCHI HOSPITAL WITH A PALLIATIVE CARE CENTER» IN DIADKOVYCHI VILLAGE, RIVNE REGION

Abstract

Topicality. The work of medical staff in palliative care units is associated with constant psycho-emotional stress due tointeraction with seriously ill patients. Prolonged contact with incurable diseases and terminal stages of illnesses causessignificant changes in the mental state of healthcare workers, which can manifest as psychosomatic disorders. Objective.To study the features of psychosomatic manifestations in the employees of the palliative care unit at “DiadkovychiHospital with a Palliative Care Center” in Diadkovychi village, Rivne region. Materials and methods. The study used theoretical methods (analysis, systematization, generalization) and empirical ones, including questionnaire andpsychodiagnostic tools: “Self-assessment of Mental States” (H. Eysenck), the SAN well-being, activity, and mood questionnaire (M. Fabricheva), the Giessen Psychosomatic Complaints Questionnaire (E. Bruehler, J. Sner), the Holmes-Rahe Stress and Social Adaptation Scale, the Questionnaire for assessing neuropsychiatric stability (N. Govorun), the PHQ Patient Health Questionnaire (R. Spitzer, J. Williams, K. Kroenke), the 4DSQ Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (B. Terluin), and the SSS-8 Somatic Symptom Scale (short version of PHQ-15) (B. Gierke, R. Spitzer,J. Williams, K. Kroenke). Mathematical and statistical methods were also employed. Research results. The articledescribes the features of psychosomatics in palliative care workers, specifically noting that they exhibit a moderatelevel of intensity in psychosomatic manifestations. These include pronounced complaints of pain in various parts of the body (chest, back, and joint pain, etc.), while stomach and heart complaints, as well as exhaustion, are somewhat less prominent (headaches, increased heart rate, etc.). A somatoform disorder is partially present, as are signs of somatization and anxiety, along with pronounced anxiety, aggressiveness, and rigidity. In some cases, there are manifestations of depression. These symptoms in palliative care workers are the result of constant emotional and physical stress due to daily interaction with terminally ill patients and their deaths. Despite the general trend, the level of stress resistance varies: orderlies were found to be the least resilient, while doctors, thanks to their experience and professional training, copebetter with emotional challenges. The article also describes the psychosomatic profiles of orderlies, nurses, and doctors.Conclusions. The study results will help raise awareness of psychosomatic risks in palliative care workers, enabling thedevelopment and implementation of effective prevention and psychological support programs. This will contribute to thepreservation of their mental and physical health.