Korean J Hosp Palliat Care.  2020 Dec;23(4):198-211. 10.14475/kjhpc.2020.23.4.198.

Health Personnel’s Knowledge, Attitudes, and Self-Efficacy Related to Providing Palliative Care in Persons with Chronic Diseases

• Cha E
• Lee S
• Lee J
• Lee I

• KMID: 2509437
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14475/kjhpc.2020.23.4.198

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy related to palliative care among health care providers (doctors and nurses) in order to provide a basis to develop a training program for health care providers.
Methods
A correlational and descriptive study design was used. Participants were recruited from a university-affiliated hospital located in Daejeon and an e-nurse community. After IRB approval, data were collected from July 12, 2018, to September 30, 2018. A total of 169 responses were finally analyzed using version SPSS 24. The data were analyzed in terms of descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage or mean and standard deviation, as appropriate), the t-test, analysis of variance (with the Duncan post hoc test), and Pearson correlation coefficients.
Results
Knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy were significantly higher in those who had received palliative care training or had been exposed to awarenessraising initiatives. There were positive relationships among knowledge, attitudes, and selfefficacy, with small to moderate effect sizes.
Conclusion
Palliative care training for health care professionals is necessary to meet patients’ needs. Such programs should take into account not only knowledge about palliative care, but also ways to improve empathy and resolve ethical dilemmas. Interprofessional training would be an excellent option to share therapeutic goals and develop communication skills among multidisciplinary team members.

Keyword

Chronic disease; Palliative care; Health personnel