Palliative care education and its effectiveness: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Palliative care education (PCE) is an important public health approach to palliative care and is crucial to improving its utilisation. The current study aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of PCE and its effectiveness.Method: A systematic review approach, including narrative synthesis, was employed to review qualitative and quantitative studies published in the English language between January 1969 and January 2019, focusing on PCE programs.Results: Thirty-nine research studies were included in the systematic review. The target audience of the included studies were mostly healthcare professionals, followed by family caregivers. Definitions of death and palliative care, symptom management, and communication were leading themes in the reviewed PCE programs. The educational resources used in PCE programs were mainly self-developed teaching materials, with some programs utilising eLearning resources. The included PCE programs were effective in improving knowledge, attitude, and confidence in palliative care, and the satisfaction of participant learning experience. Conclusion:PCE is a useful tool to improve knowledge of, confidence in, and attitudes towards palliative care amongst healthcare professionals and carers. To make palliative care a public health issue, PCE should be expanded to the public and policymakers.

A Cross-Cultural Study of Filial Piety and Palliative Care Knowledge: Moderating Effect of Culture and Universality of Filial Piety

“…Sixth, the relationship between palliative care knowledge and palliative care utilization was not investigated in the current study. Although Li et al’s (2021a) systematic review concludes that the lack of palliative care knowledge contributes to low levels of palliative care utilization, the current study does not appear to support this conclusion. If the findings of the current study could be translated into Singapore’s population, compared to Australia, the higher level of palliative care knowledge among Singaporean seemingly does not lead to a higher level of utilizing palliative care services.…”

“…A recent systematic review on palliative care education ( Li et al, 2021a ) suggests that barriers to utilizing palliative care services include patients’ and families’ misunderstandings and lack of knowledge of palliative care; reluctance and fear to utilize palliative care; and ignorance and lack of awareness of resources in relation to palliative care. Programs that aim to improve palliative care knowledge are primarily targeted to healthcare professionals, followed by family caregivers.…”

Assessment of the Educational and Health Care System–Related Issues From Physicians' and Nurses' Perspectives Before Developing a Palliative Care Program Within the Palestinian Health Care System

“…According to the World Health Assembly, it is vital to incorporate content related to PC into educational programs 2 . It positively impacts HCPs' knowledge, attitudes, and skills, which acts as a foundation for improving PC services 3,4 . Professional knowledge and attitudes are also key factors affecting the successful provision of PC services 4,5 .…”

Facilitators and barriers in using comics to support family caregivers of patients receiving palliative care at home: A qualitative study

“…Another area is public education and awareness, as most investigated palliative care education programs are targeted at healthcare professionals and caregivers. 52 …”