Health-care workers' understanding of and barriers to palliative care services to Aboriginal children with cancer.

Abstract

To identify barriers in the understanding and provision of optimal palliative care to Aboriginal children with cancer by health-care staff, with the aim to support education and training that highlights the importance of cultural, physical and spiritual needs at end-of-life. Medical and nursing staff working in Departments of Palliative Care, Metabolic Medicine and Haematology/Oncology at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide, South Australia, were asked to complete a survey regarding their experience in treating Aboriginal children receiving palliative care. The survey addressed the understanding of cultural and spiritual needs, barriers encountered and opinions for improved services. The survey was completed by 34 participants. 91.2% (n= 31) had provided care to Aboriginal children who were receiving care during palliative and end-of-life phases for a diagnosis of cancer, 58.8% (n= 20) of which had supported children returning home. Only 23.5% of participants reported comfort in communicating about spiritual/cultural needs with patients and families. There was minimal previous exposure to education (17.6%), yet all participants were interested in future education opportunities. This study highlights a paucity in understanding and comfort among health-care workers in treating Aboriginal children at end-of-life. New models, including the training of staff, educational resources and involvement of Aboriginal health-care workers, may improve care.