# A qualitative study of conflict experiences of Chinese physicians and nurses experiencing death of relatives: effects of dual roles

## TL;DR

This study explores the emotional and professional conflicts faced by Chinese physicians and nurses when a loved one dies, highlighting the psychological impact of their dual roles.

## Contribution

The study identifies three key thematic stages and six sub-themes of conflict experienced by Chinese medical professionals dealing with personal loss.

## Key findings

- Terminal stage: Professional responsibilities and expertise increase internal conflict.
- Acute loss stage: Bereavement disrupts professional values and leads to emotional avoidance.
- Bereavement recovery: Reflection leads to a reconceptualization of death and professional meaning.

## Abstract

This study explored experiences of conflict among Chinese Physicians and Nurses following the loss of a loved one. This study aimed to examine the mechanisms behind these conflicting experiences as perceived by Chinese Physicians and Nurses.

This qualitative exploratory study was conducted in three Chinese hospitals. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 Physicians and Nurses members using a descriptive phenomenological analysis. Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis was used to analyze the interview data.

The following three themes and six sub-themes were identified: terminal stage (the responsibility exacerbates the burden of medical decision-making and professional expertise exacerbating internal conflict); acute loss stage (the experience of bereavement disrupts the professional values of medical personnel and emotional projection and avoidance of similar operations); bereavement recovery (reflection on the meaning of the profession and reconceptualization of death).

These dual roles place significant psychological pressure on the Chinese Physicians and Nurses and lead to emotional fluctuations and complex internal conflicts when facing the death of their loved ones. Hospital administrators should recognize these contradictions, understand their complex emotions, and provide appropriate social support to address the needs of the Physicians and Nurses.