Survey of Palliative Care Concepts among Medical Interns in India

Abstract

Before this survey, we hypothesized that interns in India would have low levels of self-reported understanding of palliative care and its components. We were hoping to see an improvement in knowledge and confidence with training. In contrast, there was not much of an improvement but rather a decline in some areas. From this, we conclude that when medical students become interns, they need reinforcement of knowledge and more hands-on experience.

Conceptual prevalence in palliative care amongst the physicians of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University: a comparison between the post-graduate trainees and the trainers

“…Our findings of the survey are interestingly similar to a few other surveys done in the some other developing as well as developed countries 11,12,13 . A similar percentage to our finding of interns (82%) and students (86%) reported to be familiar with the concept of Palliative Care in a recent survey in India 7,11 . This study investigated Palliative Care concepts among medical interns and students in India who had no mandatory Palliative Care curriculum.…”

Survey of Palliative Care Concepts among Medical Students and Interns in Austria: A Comparison of the Old and the New curriculum of the Medical University of Vienna

“…According to Bharadwaj et al 10 {Bharadwaj, 2007 8 /id}, we modifi ed their questionnaires for medical students and interns in Austria. The survey consisted of 11 questions (Table 1) issuing the theoretical knowledge of palliative care concepts (questions 1,2,3,4,7,9,11) and confidence in performing practical aspects of palliative care (questions 5,6,8,10).…”

“…The survey consisted of 11 questions (Table 1) issuing the theoretical knowledge of palliative care concepts (questions 1,2,3,4,7,9,11) and confidence in performing practical aspects of palliative care (questions 5,6,8,10). In addition, participants were asked if they would suggest including more palliative care issues in the medical curriculum (question 12).…”

“…As published by Bharadwaj et al we kept the questions very simple and the responses as yes or no. 10 …”

“…Bharadwaj et al investigated the level of awareness in palliative care concepts among interns to that of fi nal year medical students in India. 10 They found that reported theoretical knowledge was better than the level of confi dence in performing practical aspects of palliative care. When compared to the students, the interns did not outperform them.…”