How skilled do Israeli nurses perceive themselves to be in providing palliative care? Results of a national survey.

Abstract

In Israel, palliative care (PC) services are limited. This study assessed Israeli nurses' perceived competencies and educational needs in providing PC. Online administration of the End-of-Life Professional Caregiver Survey (EPCS). Oncology and PC nurses were identified through the Israel Ministry of Health and Oncology Nurses' Society. Demographic and practice data were analysed using analysis of variance tests to determine differences between nurse characteristics by EPCS domains. The sample (n=105) was 94% female, had a mean age of 48 years (SD=10.5) and 83% were Jewish Israeli. Thirty-nine percent reported PC training in nursing school and 42% felt their workplace provided little to no PC education and resources to nurses. Those with advanced degrees and those who received post-graduate PC training had higher mean scores across EPCS domains (p<0.05 for all). Nursing education and workplace support in PC for Israeli nurses are limited. It is hoped that these findings may inform future PC nursing education and policy in Israel.