Psychologists remain underrepresented in end-of-life care, and there is limited understanding of their role among healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers. This systematic mixed-studies review, prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020215775), explored the role of psychologists, and the facilitators and barriers they experience, in supporting clients with illness-related dying and death. A search of six research databases was conducted in October 2023. Fifty-one studies, mainly qualitative and from the perspectives of psychologists, met inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis highlighted how psychologists provided expertise across various contexts. They supported clients with preparing for death, and adjusting to dying, provided professional consultancy and support, and undertook leadership in enhancing psychological end-of-life care. Results illustrated the sustaining factors and ongoing challenges working in end-of-life care, namely, the unique nature of navigating the death space, recognition and awareness of psychologists' contribution, and the support, training and development required. Given the universality of dying and death, this review is relevant to psychologists working within and beyond more traditional end-of-life care contexts, such as employee assistance programs, private practice, schools, and other psychological services. Policy, clinical and research implications are discussed, including the need for greater engagement and training of psychologists in the dying and death space.

中文翻译：

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心理学家在支持与疾病相关的临终和死亡方面的作用：系统的混合研究综述

心理学家在临终关怀领域的代表性仍然不足，而且医疗保健专业人员、患者和护理人员对心理学家的作用了解有限。这项系统性的混合研究综述前瞻性地在 PROSPERO 上注册（CRD42020215775），探讨了心理学家在支持因疾病相关的临终和死亡的客户方面所发挥的作用以及他们所经历的促进因素和障碍。 2023 年 10 月对 6 个研究数据库进行了检索。51 项研究（主要是定性研究和心理学家的角度）符合纳入标准。主题综合强调了心理学家如何在不同背景下提供专业知识。他们支持客户为死亡做好准备、适应死亡，提供专业咨询和支持，并在加强临终心理护理方面发挥领导作用。结果说明了临终关怀工作的持续因素和持续的挑战，即驾驭死亡空间的独特性、对心理学家贡献的认可和认识，以及所需的支持、培训和发展。鉴于垂死和死亡的普遍性，本次审查与在更传统的临终关怀环境内外工作的心理学家相关，例如员工援助计划、私人诊所、学校和其他心理服务机构。讨论了政策、临床和研究的影响，包括在临终和死亡领域加强心理学家参与和培训的必要性。