Awareness of palliative care among doctors of various departments in all the four teaching medical colleges in a metropolitan city in Eastern India: A survey

Abstract

Objective: To enquire about the level of awareness regarding various important aspects of palliative medicine among doctors of various departments in four medical colleges in Kolkata through a questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was developed by few members of Indian Association of Palliative Care. It was distributed, to a convenience sample of doctors who worked in various departments in all four teaching hospitals in Kolkata. The distribution and collection of questionnaires was carried out within 4 months. Results: The results suggested that 85% doctors felt that cancer was the commonest reason for the palliative care teams to be involved. Seventy four percent mentioned that pain control was their prime job; 53% said that they are enjoying their encounter with palliative care, so far; 77% thought breaking bad news is necessary in further decision making process; only 22% reported the WHO ladder of pain control sequentially, 35% believed other forms of therapies are useful in relieving pain, 35% thought they give enough importance and time for pain control; 77% said that they had heard about a hospice, among them still 61% thought patients should spend last days of their life at home. Thinking of the future, 92% of the doctors think more and more people will need palliative care in the coming days. Conclusion: Amongst doctors of various departments, there is a lack of training and awareness in palliative care. Almost all the doctors are interested and they are willing to have more training in pain control, breaking bad news, communication skills and terminal care.