A qualitative interview study on oncologists’ experiences with patient death

Abstract

Frequent exposure to patient death can challenge oncologists’ well-being and compromise care quality. However, evidence on how patient death affects oncologists across healthcare systems remains limited. This study explored impacts of patient death on oncologists, including personal and professional effects, coping strategies, and support and educational needs. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with oncologists from various specialties and experience levels in adult cancer care across Germany. Participants were recruited using purposive maximum-variation sampling. Data underwent deductive-inductive content analysis. The sample included 23 oncologists (13 male). Responses ranged from no impact to significant distress, alongside personal and professional growth. Emotions included sadness, helplessness, relief and satisfaction. Common effects were shifts in clinical approach and life perspective and difficulty separating work from private life. Coping strategies included peer support, clinical reflection, professional distancing, and rituals. Taboos around death, blame dynamics, time constraints and unclear access to institutional support were reported as barriers to coping. Although many reported no unmet needs, gaps in education and demand for low-threshold support emerged. In conclusion, patient death can have lasting personal and professional impact on oncologists. Interventions addressing educational gaps and providing low-threshold support may help strengthen oncologists’ well-being and sustain care quality.