Assessments of emotional intelligence for palliative care practice : a systematic review

Introduction: Emotional intelligence considers the inter-relationships of thought processes, affect and motivation that drive performance and has been defined as the ability to understand, perceive, use, and manage the emotions of self and others. Emotional intelligence is an important aspect of palliative care due to the advanced inter and intra-personal skills required for practice. Research into the most effective ways of assessing emotional intelligence in palliative care clinicians is imperative so that health professionals at risk of burn out, stress and compassion fatigue can be identified early. Aim: This study aims to determine assessments of emotional intelligence suitable for use with palliative care allied-health professionals. Methods: Electronic databases and grey literature will be searched using key search terms and MESH headings. Articles will be selected based on pre-determined inclusion criteria, including criteria, which will determine each assessment’s reliability, validity, clinical utility, interpretability and clinical responsiveness. Two reviewers will then independently appraise each article that meets the selection criteria. Results: Findings will discuss the evidence found on assessments of emotional intelligence and outline their suitability for use with health professionals working in palliative care. Recommendations for practice will be determined based on the psychometric properties of each assessment. Conclusion: This study will recommend the most suitable assessments of emotional intelligence for allied-health professionals working in palliative care. This information is vital for future workforce planning in palliative care, as well as enabling the completion of an evidence-based clinical trial to determine whether palliative care therapists’ emotional intelligence can be improved.