Self‐reported practices, competence and difficulties towards palliative care among nurses: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Objective: Nurses' palliative care practice ability is the key to evaluating the quality of palliative care. This study aimed to identify the current situation of palliative care practices, competence and difficulties among nurses and determine whether difficulties play a mediating role between practices and competence.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The online survey comprised demographics, the Palliative Care Self-Reported Practices Scale, the Palliative Care Nursing Self-competence Scale and the Palliative Care Difficulties Scale. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, linear regression and mediation analysis.Results: A total of 284 questionnaires were included for statistical analysis. The mean scores for practices, competence and difficulties were 67.81 (SD = 13.60), 124.28 (41.21) and 44.32 (12.68), respectively. There was a correlation between practices, competence and difficulties (p < 0.01). Competence and difficulties were independent predictors of practices (R 2 adj = 0.384, p < 0.001). Furthermore, difficulties mediated the relationship between practices and competence (b = 0.052, 95% confidence interval: 0.008-0.155).Conclusions: Continuous efforts should be made to enhance nurses' practices, competence and problem-solving abilities in palliative care. This study suggested further targeted education programmes, especially in special symptom management, interagency and multidisciplinary communication.

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“…Stoevelaar et al showed that a simplified RSL (four items) can also predict delirium without compromising on predictive accuracy (Stoevelaar et al, 2022). Van competencies and problem-solving abilities in palliative care are associated with their palliative care practices (An et al, 2022). Moreover, also Temiz et al conducted a survey study of 106 nurses working in hospitals in Turkey to assess their level of knowledge.…”

“…An et al also recognised the importance of continuous education of healthcare professionals regarding palliative care. Based on a survey of 284 nurses, they conclude that nurses' competencies and problem‐solving abilities in palliative care are associated with their palliative care practices (An et al, 2022). Moreover, also Temiz et al conducted a survey study of 106 nurses working in hospitals in Turkey to assess their level of knowledge.…”