Enhancing bereavement education and emotional preparedness: A global survey of oncology residency programs.

Abstract

9031 Background: Bereavement care is a vital yet underemphasized aspect of oncology, requiring both clinical expertise and emotional resilience. Despite its importance, bereavement training is rarely integrated into residency programs, leaving residents unprepared and at risk of emotional fatigue and burnout. Addressing this gap is critical to improving caregiver support and resident well-being. This study evaluates the global state of bereavement training, its impact on preparedness, and the need for tailored interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 115 oncology residents from 21 countries. The survey included questions on demographics, bereavement training, interactions with grieving caregivers, preparedness, barriers, and interest in education. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, chi-square tests evaluated associations between training and preparedness, and correlation analysis assessed the relationship between caregiver interaction frequency and preparedness. Results: Participants were 58% female and 42% male. Most worked in academic hospitals (53%), followed by the public (44%) and private centers (3%). Residents represented 21 countries, with Italy contributing 61% of responses. Other countries included the UK, Pakistan, Romania, Kenya, Portugal, Bosnia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Malaysia, Ukraine, Ireland, Russia, France, Egypt, Turkey, Australia, Iraq, Yemen, Georgia, and Norway. Bereavement training was absent for 80% of participants. Preparedness levels were rated as “Somewhat prepared” by 44.3%, “Not very prepared” by 43.5%, “Not at all prepared” by 8.7%, and “Very prepared” by 3.5%. Barriers included emotional fatigue (62%), lack of training (48%), and time constraints (41%). Emotional distress was common, with 61% reporting occasional impact, 33% deep impact, and 38% considering leaving residency due to emotional demands. Residents with formal training declared significantly higher preparedness (χ² = 13.83, p = 0.003). A weak positive correlation (r = 0.19) was found between caregiver interaction frequency and preparedness. Conclusions: Oncology residents face significant challenges in bereavement care due to insufficient training, high emotional demands, and systemic barriers like time constraints. The finding that 38% considered leaving residency underscores the emotional toll of inadequate preparation. Integrating bereavement training into oncology curricula is essential to enhance confidence, resilience, and caregiver support. Training should address grief management, pathological bereavement, and communication skills. Experiential learning, such as mentorship and reflective practices, can further improve preparedness. These interventions aim to meet residents' emotional and professional needs while enhancing patient and caregiver outcomes.