Sexual Health Assessment of Hospice Patients: An International Nursing Study

Abstract

more likely to receive content on the topic (Wallace et al, 2009). II. Research Objectives 1. Measure baseline knowledge of core palliative care concepts. 2. Apply the results to curriculum design in clinical and academic settings. III. Methods. A twenty question True/ False previously validated quiz, the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (PCQN) (Ross et al, 1996) was administered to 53 new and experienced nurses prior to attendance at a one hour orientation class on palliative care concepts. The self-indentified sample employed at an urban teaching hospital included: 23 RNs, 13 BSNs, 8 ADNs, 1 GN, and 1 ADN in other than nursing. IV. Results. Despite recent initiatives to increase formal and informal education on EOL care, less than 50% of participants scored 15/20 or better. The results ranged from 8e19/20 correct answers. There was no overall positive or negative correlation with years in nursing, previous experience in palliative care, or educational level. V. Conclusion. Practicing nurses exhibit incomplete knowledge of baseline palliative care concepts. Implementation of best practice in the clinical setting requires increased education and evaluation of knowledge on this significant topic. VI. Implications for Research, Policy, or Practice. The use of a simple and efficient needs assessment, the PCQN, can evaluate baseline knowledge of palliative care concepts and direct curriculum design related to palliative care in academic and service settings.