The Necessity of Establishing an Advanced Certificate Course in Palliative Care Nursing at the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Background: Palliative care nursing (PCN) supports individuals with life-threatening illnesses, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. The demand for education in this field has motivated educational institutes to develop professional courses. A need analysis is required to evaluate the necessity of establishing new courses. Objective: To assess the necessity of establishing of advanced certificate course in PCN at the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 registered nurses (RNs) selected conveniently working in teaching hospital Karapitiya (THK). A pre-tested, interviewer administered questionnaire, which included prior education or training experiences on PCN, services, and management related to PCN was used in data collection. Results: Of the sample 45.2% were aged 31-40 years, 86.6% were females and 55.7% were married. Of the participants, 35.7% had a monthly income between 50 000-74 999 LKR. The majority (67.4%) were diploma holders, with 55.7% having <10 years of experience. Emergency trauma care was the special training received by the RNs (4.5%). Only 11.3% of the RNs had formal additional training on PCN such as workshops and a few hours of training. Most RNs correctly identified PCN aims; improving survival (59.7%), improving QoL of patients and their families (91.4%), providing relief and pain (93.7%), understanding PCN (80.1%), and the role of steroids in improving QoL (48.9%). However, the majority gave incorrect answers for the concept of PCN; increasing the life expectancy of terminally ill patients (59.7%), consultants as ideal coordinators for PCN (87.8%), and necessity for multidisciplinary support (76.9%). Most RNs agreed that PCN offers hope to patients (47.1%) and considered it a basic human right (79.6%). Only 20.4% had an average knowledge of PCN, however, 84.6% had a good attitude toward it. Formal PCN training was significantly associated with the knowledge of PCN (p=0.004). Conclusion: Limited educational exposure and average knowledge level on PCN suggest the need for a PCN course for nurses that would address the unmet needs of relevant stakeholders who require palliative care in Sri Lankan context.