The Effects of Trauma Associated With the Death of a Patient Who Is Also a Loved One on

a Lady Health Visitor: A Case Study

Ali SF, Ayub H, Saeed H, Abraq A, Shabbir I & Riaz A.
Department of Applied Psychology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Abstract: The health care providers facilitate individuals to live a healthy life and get out of
ailments and health related issues but when they are unable to do it or any mishap occurs, they
can feel guilt and consider themselves at fault. This is the reason why burnout, depression and
suicide rates are higher in health care workers as compared to general population. It is a
traumatic experience for a lot of health care workers when the patients they are handling dies
under their supervision. The death of a loved one is also a traumatic experience for people
especially when it is unexpected. This study presents a unique case of a lady health visitor who
not only experienced the loss of her friend and relative but also felt guilty as she was the one
providing her friend with the maternal health services during which she died. This study
evaluates the detrimental psychological effects of the traumatic experience on the lady health
visitor that she faced and also assesses the post-traumatic growth in her after the incident.
Keywords: Trauma, Death, Patient, Loved one, Medical Practitioner, Lady Health Worker