Att vara i mellanrummen - där ingen annan är : En kvalitativ studie om hälso- och sjukvårdskuratorns roll och emotionella arbete inom palliativ vård för barn

Sammanfattning: This study aimed to investigate the role, possibilities, challenges and emotional labor of Healthcare Counselors in pediatric palliative care. Through semi-structured interviews with five counselors, a thematic analysis was conducted. The findings reveal a broad and dynamic role, partially unclear, allowing individual shaping. Additionally, the study highlights counselors' capacity to support families during severe crises and discussions about end-of-life matters. The work is both meaningful and emotionally challenging, and coping theory illustrates how counselors manage their emotions using problem-focused and emotional coping strategies. The conclusions emphasize the relevance for counselors, collaboratingprofessions and management in pediatric palliative care.