[The improvement of the Hungarian hospice network and the increasing number of people dealing with the seriously ill are reflected by the annual hospice reports (2001-2013). However these reports also draw the attention to the cumulating mental and spiritual burdens of carers which can lead to fatigue and burnout. On the base of practical experience we surveyed the mental and spiritual condition of the caregivers of seriously ill patients and also reviewed research findings and the professional literature on the exposure to imperilment. The grounds of professional literature’s research were the Hungarian and international databases. We favoured studies published in Hungarian or English between 2000 and 2014 primarily on carers working in palliative and hospice service. One of the main profits of reviewing the professional literature is getting more detailed information on the mental state of professional caregivers. Relatively new element in researches is studying the relation between burnout and compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue. It includes studying of symptoms and coping strategies. These all enable a better understanding of causes and help us to support hospice carers with more effective methods to protect them from mental and spiritual exhaustion.]

[The study gives a short review of some music therapy methods can be applied on the field of hospice care. Its aim is drawing the attention to the topic and enhancement of the method in the hospice movement in Hungary. The results of research works support the idea of applying both active and receptive music therapy for ensuring advantageous results in high quality care provided for dying patients. Properly chosen musical interventions applied by qualified music therapists within a therapeutic relationship are able to improve amongst others the quality of life of dying people by ensuring their inner peace, reducing the feeling of pain and anxiety and supporting their psychical-spiritual development. Besides the dying patients, hospice workers and the relatives of the patients can also experience the benefits of music therapy. ]

[Aim of the research: The aim of the research was to examine the fear of death, the attitudes towards death, the way of processing death, related to the workplace and to assess the burn out and psychosomatic symptoms among oncology nurses and hospice care workers. Research and sampling methods: To execute our research self-developed surveys were distributed online and printed (N=116) in July-August 2015, completed with a control group, as well. For data analysis we used SPSS version 19.0 with the following statistical tests: Chi square test, independent two sample t-test, Spearman rank correlation and variance analysis (p<0,05). Results: Oncology nurses had slightly more positive attitudes towards death, with significant (p=0,034) proneness to concentrate on positive events too, in case of death of their patients, and tend to attend Bálint groups more often (p=0,017), than nurses working in other unists. In the latter group psychosomatic symptoms were more frequent (p=0,032). No significant differences (p=0,234) were found between the groups in cumulative scale of fear of death. Fear of death had great effect on appearance of psychosomatic symptoms (p=0,011) and the extent of burn out (p=0,001). Conclusions: There were no significant differences in fear of death between oncology nurses and hospise care workers.]

[There is the relationship between the oncological treatment and hospice care proved by the data on morbidity and mortality. Cancer treatment is just partially effective since besides the growing incidence of new patients (90 091 in 2013) in Hungary, the mortality rate is still high (33 278 people in 2013). Revealing the diagnosis of tumorous disease causes an incredible shock for the patients, therefore oncopsychologists have to join to the oncological treatment at a very early stage. They give psychological support to both the patients and their families. By relieving stress and helping to combat the disease, the patients could accept and gradually face to the new situation. The patient keeps hoping as long as the treatment is effective and his/her health does not begin to decline. Today, in most cases the effi cacy of the treatment is just temporary and the patient will reach the stage where only the palliative and hospice care can help to maintain an acceptable but provisional quality of life. A new movement started for the terminally ill patients to keep their dignity. Hospice is an integral part of health care with 205 beds, and 75 home hospice care units (in Hungary). To get into the hospice care we describe the patients’ path including the terminal state, agony and death. We also explain the palliative medical and psychological care as well as the other forms of care at home and in the domestic or hospital care carried out within a team-work. The activity of these two types of care must be integrated and mutually supported. Finally we are going to talk about the problems that prevent the acceptable operation in this system.]