Date of Award

11-30-2020

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)

First Advisor

Ms. Yasmin Parpio

Second Advisor

Ms. Parveen Chagani

Third Advisor

Dr. Atif Waqar

Department

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction :Palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients facing life threatening illnesses and their families, through early identification, assessment, and treatment of pain and other problems, like emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual needs. The need for palliative care is increasing due to increase in non-communicable diseases and the aging population. In earlier years, palliative care was considered as the care of the patients who were near to death but, now, the scope of palliative care has been expanded, and it includes patients who live with chronic illness for many years.
Aim of the Study :The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, practice, and associated factors regarding palliative care, among oncology nurses in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional research design and consecutive sampling technique was used for conducting the study. A sample of 110 adult inpatient oncology nurses was chosen for this study. Data was collected through the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (PCQN) and a self developed practice questionnaire. The data was entered and analyzed through SPSS version
Results: The results revealed that the nurses’ knowledge mean score, on PCQN, was 8.89(±2.08), indicating poor knowledge about palliative care, with the lowest score being 4 and highest being 14. The palliative care training was found to be significantly associated with nurses’ knowledge regarding palliative care. v Regarding the practices of palliative care, various responses were obtained in each practice aspect; only 38 (34.5%) participants reported that they initiated PC discussion at the time of diagnosis of the life limiting illnesses. Whereas, 98 (89.1%) nurses informed terminally ill patient about the diagnosis.
Conclusion:The study concluded that participants (nurses) had poor knowledge about palliative care. Therefore, there is need of continuing education programs to enrich nurses’ knowledge in palliative care, which, in return, will improve their practices regarding palliative care.

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Last Page

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