Caracterización del conocimiento en cuidado paliativo pediátrico y percepción debarreras por parte de los pediatras y residentes de pediatría

Abstract

IntroductionThe rise of chronic and life threatening disease creates an ethical challenge and an invitation to develop a new type of care: palliative medicine. ObjectiveThe aim was to determine pediatricians and pediatric residents perceptions of their knowledge of pediatric palliative care, and identify the main barriers perceived by them. Materials and methodsGeneral pediatricians, pediatric medical sub-specialists, and pediatric residents in Colombia took part in an analytical cross-sectional study using a questionnaire. Significance test results were reported with 95% confidence intervals. ResultsA total of 359 pediatricians and pediatric residents across the country completed the survey. Only 13% had received training in palliative care, with 57.1% through a peer or self-study. There was a significant relationship between palliative care training and level of education, years of practice, and patients referred in the last year. Greater knowledge and comfort in those who have received training was evident.The main barriers identified were: limited time for care, fear facing children's death, and families demanding more intervention by the physicians. ConclusionsMost respondents had not received training in palliative care, even when they see it as relevant, and were typically uncomfortable when facing situations on this type of care.