Assessment Of The Knowledge Of Palliative Medicine Among General Practitioners

Abstract

Background: Palliative patients who stay at home require exceptional medical care provided by General Practitioners (GPs) in conjunction with specialists in palliative medicine. To ensure effective treatment, proper cooperation between them is essential. Aim: An assessment of the knowledge and attitudes of GPs towards palliative medicine Design: The research was based on a survey questionnaire, consisting of 8 multiple choice questions. A total of participated anonymously in the survey. The data analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Participants: 83 GPs from the Pomeranian Region, 58 female and 25 male practitioners. Results: 59% of respondents defined palliative care as an activity that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing problems related to a life-threatening illness. The coordination of the work of the palliative team was the most important task for the specialist in palliative medicine (58% of respondents). The majority stated that the most important activity was the prescription of painkillers (86%) and 84% found that being available during business hours was the most important. The next most important activity was delivering bad news (42% of respondents). Conclusions: Most of the GPs knew the correct definition of palliative care and the basics of pain management. Experienced physicians declared a lower willingness to be available during working hours and less often delivered bad news to terminal patients, compared to their younger colleagues. Individual treatment planning (98% of respondents) and reducing antibiotic therapy seem to be the most important aspects in pharmacotherapy.