Abstract
Our objective was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of Thai generalists (general physicians) toward palliative terminal cancer care (PC) in a primary care setting. We performed a cross-sectional descriptive survey using a self-administered questionnaire. The total number of completed and returned questionnaires was 63, giving a 56% response rate. Data analysis was based on these (Cronbach's alpha=0.82) and percentages and mean values were assessed using the Fisher's exact test to determine the correlation of variables. Overall, attitude and knowledge levels were slightly satisfactory. Results indicated that general physicians had moderate scores in both attitudes (84.1%) and knowledge (55.7%) regarding palliative terminal cancer care. However, they had insufficient knowledge regarding truth telling, pain control and management with morphine, emergency management in terminal cancer care and treatment of fluid intake in terminal stages. Attitude and knowledge scores were statistically correlated (p=0.036). Knowledge scores were further positively associated with being taught palliative care in their medical curriculum (p=0.042). Formal education in palliative care and development of palliative care services are very much needed in Thailand to provide holistic care to terminally ill patients.
Highlights
Generalists in community hospital and primary care setting have always been involved in providing palliative terminal cancer care (PC)
The results indicated that general physicians who reported being taught palliative care in their medical curriculum had more medical knowledge regarding the care for terminally ill patients (p=0.032), whereas the other physicians’ demographics were not correlated with attitudes
Literature review does not indicate any comprehensive study for palliative care knowledge targeting general physicians in practices anywhere in the entire region
Summary
Generalists in community hospital and primary care setting have always been involved in providing palliative terminal cancer care (PC). Avoiding unnecessary therapy and inappropriate diagnostic methods, considering for their family, and taking care of, by multidisciplinary team, aim to achieve patients’ needs and their best quality of life (Meeker, 2004). Care of these patients in the community inevitably involves input from the generalists (Assantachai, 2010). Our objective was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of Thai generalists (general physicians) toward palliative terminal cancer care (PC) in a primary care setting. Results indicated that general physicians had moderate scores in both attitudes (84.1%) and knowledge (55.7%) regarding palliative terminal cancer care. Conclusions: Formal education in palliative care and development of palliative care services are very much needed in Thailand to provide holistic care to terminally ill patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
