Development of and Testing Novel Questionnaires Assessing Palliative Care-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Confidence Among Home Healthcare Clinicians, Patients, and Caregivers

Overview

Journal Home Healthc Now

Specialties Health Services
Nursing

Date 2025 Jan 7

PMID 39763039

Authors

Ashley M Chastain

JingJing Shang

Komal P Murali

Lori King

Charity Ogunlusi

Suning Zhao

Jung A Kang

Yihong Zhao

Khadra Dualeh

Margaret V McDonald

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Palliative care improves the quality of life for seriously ill patients, but misconceptions and knowledge gaps hinder its implementation in home healthcare (HHC). This study developed and pilot-tested HHC-specific questionnaires to measure palliative care knowledge, attitudes, and confidence (PC-KAC) among clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Using literature reviews, expert input, and cognitive interviews, the questionnaires were refined to ensure clarity, practical relevance, and content validity. Pilot testing revealed widespread confusion about palliative care, with patients and caregivers often conflating it with hospice care and holding misconceptions about opioid use for pain and symptom management. While clinicians demonstrated adequate knowledge, gaps in pain management and confidence in handling emergencies were evident. These findings highlight the need for targeted education and training to integrate palliative care effectively into HHC, improving patient outcomes and supporting interdisciplinary collaboration.

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