Status and predictors of medical students’ knowledge and attitude towards palliative care in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Palliative care focuses on the ability of medical students to use their expanded experiences and knowledge; however, basic medical education does not provide adequate knowledge and skills regarding palliative and end-of-life care. This study designed to examine knowledge related to palliative care and attitudes toward dying people among medical students in Jordan. Methods Cross-sectional, descriptive design was used in this study. A total of 404 medical students were recruited using convenience sampling techniques from six medical programs. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire in relation to knowledge and attitudes regarding palliative care and dying persons using Palliative Care Assessment Knowledge (PCAK) and Frommelt Attitudes toward Care of the Dying Scale Form B (FATCOD-B). Results Medical students have a moderate level of knowledge related to palliative care in (PCAK) part1 subscale about; pain managing (n = 156, 38.6 %), managing other palliative care symptoms (n = 164, 40.6 %), and in witnesses' family counseling and breaking bad news discussion (n = 178, 44.1 %). However, medical students have inadequate knowledge concerning the palliative care in part-2of the scale. Furthermore, students have positive attitudes towards caring for dying patients with mean score of 108.76 (SD = 8.05). The highest ranked attitude subscales were; Fairs/Malaise (M = 29.03, SD = 4.28), Communication (M = 21.39, SD = 2.51) and Relationship (M = 18.31, SD = 1.55). There was a significant difference in attitudes in relation to gender (t = -5.14, p < 0.001) with higher female mean score (M = 109.97) than males (M = 105.47). Also significant difference found among those who are exposed to Palliative Care and those who are not (t = -6.33, p < 0.001) with higher mean score of those exposed to palliative acre courses (M=298) than those who did not (M=106). Conclusion Improving knowledge and attitudes of medical students regarding palliative and end of life care should be highlighted to medical educators and medical schools need to incorporate palliative and end-of-life care into medical curricula across all levels

Особистісні Предиктори Адаптації Майбутніх Медичних Працівників До Умов Професійної Діяльності

“…Teh et al, 2023). The need to include palliative care in curricula at all levels of medical training is also emphasized (Younis, Hamdan-Mansour, 2024).…”

“…Teh et al, 2023). Наголошується і на необхідності включення паліативної допомоги в навчальні програми на всіх рівнях медичної підготовки (Younis, Hamdan-Mansour, 2024).…”