Attitudes of Danish doctors and nurses to palliative and terminal care

Abstract

These findings suggest that in Denmark nurses demonstrate more positive attitudes to the care of palliative/terminally ill patients than doctors, and that attitudes amongst doctors and nurses working in the community are more positive than those of the colleagues in hospitals. There is currently little education in the principles and practice of palliative care in Denmark. These findings will inform the development of appropriate palliative care education for doctors and nurses working both in the hospital and in the community in Denmark. They also raise the possibility that part of the inertia in the development of palliative care in Denmark is related to the lack of education and, in particular, to the need of support for doctors and nurses providing terminal care so they are enabled to be more reflective on the care they currently provide. There is evidence that education in palliative care can change health professionals' attitudes to palliative and terminal care, and this now needs to be investigated in Denmark.

Assessment of Knowledge and Associated Factors towards Palliative Care among Greek Nurses

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Palliative care and end of life issues in UK pre-registration, undergraduate nursing programmes

“…There is evidence that education in palliative care can change health professionals' attitudes to palliative and terminal care (Vejlgaard & Addington-Hall 2005). Yet, studies are needed to access current offerings in pre-registered nursing programs on end of life care, as Cunningham and colleagues (2006, p. 61) note: ".…”

Regional Medical Professionals' Confidence in Providing Palliative Care, Associated Difficulties and Availability of Specialized Palliative Care Services in Japan

“…In addition, insufficient training can contribute to lack of professional confidence and create feelings of inadequacy in caring for dying patients (20). Education and support programs lead to improvements in nursing confidence in palliative care competencies and knowledge (8).…”