Influencing Factors of Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior in Children's Palliative Care Among Pediatric Healthcare Workers: a Cross-sectional Survey in China

Overview

Journal BMC Palliat Care

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Critical Care

Date 2023 Jun 6

PMID 37280672

Authors

Lihui Zhu

Na Zhang

Yaojia Hu

Yi Xu

Tingwei Luo

Yuqiong Xiang

Sishan Jiang

Zhiqiang Zhang

Muhua Chen

Yuee Xiong

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Palliative care has become a key medical field worldwide. Although research relating to adult palliative care is well-established, less is known about children's palliative care (CPC). Therefore, this study investigated the knowledge, attitude and behavior of pediatric healthcare workers (PHWs) regarding CPC and analyzed the influencing factors for the implementation and development of CPC.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 407 PHWs was carried out in a Chinese province from November 2021 to April 2022. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: a general information form and questions on the knowledge, attitude and behavior of PHWs about CPC. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis.

Results: The total score of the PHWs' knowledge, attitude and behavior about CPC was 69.98, which was at a moderate level. PHWs' CPC knowledge, attitude, and behavior are positively correlated.The most important influencing factors were working years, highest education, professional title, job position, marital status, religion, grade of hospital (I, II or III), type of medical institution, experience of caring for a terminally ill child/kinsfolk and total hours of CPC education and training received.

Conclusions: In this study, PHWs in a Chinese province had the lowest scores on the knowledge dimension of CPC, with moderate attitude and behavior and various influencing factors. In addition to professional title, highest education and working years, it is also worth noting that the type of medical institution and marital status also affected the score. Continuing education and training of PHWs in CPC should be emphasized by the administrators of relevant colleges and medical institutions. Future research should start with the above-mentioned influencing factors and focus on setting up targeted training courses and evaluating the post-training effects.

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