Factors Associated with Attitude and Knowledge Toward Hospice Palliative Care Among Medical Caregivers

SummaryBackgroundThe present study aimed to explore the attitude and knowledge toward hospice palliative care among medical caregivers in Taiwan.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among medical staff attending a hospice palliative care conference.ResultsOverall, 163 of 232 questionnaires were valid. Based on the results, 54.9% of opinions on who has the right to sign a Hospice Palliative Care Declaration for an autonomous patient was consistent with the Taiwan Hospice Palliative Care Article; 91.4% of opinions on whether a life-sustaining therapy has been authorized to withhold was consistent with the article, compared with only 28.3% of opinions on whether a life-sustaining therapy has been authorized to withdraw. The capability of medical staff to provide these three procedures was varied (Cochran's Q = 121.150, p < 0.001). The medical staff who were aged > 32.5 years (odds ratio = 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.22–0.90; p < 0.01), and whose work experience was >9 years (odds ratio = 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.27–0.97; p < 0.05) tended to approach patients' informed consent of Hospice Palliative Care Declaration precisely.ConclusionLife and work experience improve the accuracy of medical staff in providing hospice palliative care. A culture-based, case-oriented continuing education program and a timely revision of the Hospice Palliative Care Article are recommended to increase the consistency between the principle and the practice of hospice palliative care.