Assessment of Knowledge, Practice and Challenges of End-of-Life Care Among Healthcare Workers: A Study at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital Assessment of End-of-Life Care in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: End-of-life care is a crucial component of comprehensive patient support during their final stages of life. In order to maintain the highest level of quality of life for the patient, hospice care places a strong emphasis on facilitating a peaceful, dignified transition from life to death. While hospice care and palliative care are closely related, there are some differences between the two concepts. The main distinction is that while palliative care may entail curative treatments, hospice care does not. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, practice, and challenges related to end-of-life care among healthcare workers at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study utilized a self-administered questionnaire distributed to doctors and nurses across various departments. The sample size (N=161) consisted of Doctors and Nurses. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 21. The questionnaire encompassed sociodemographic information, knowledge, practice, and limitations associated with end-of-life care. Result: The findings underscored a noteworthy trend in knowledge and practice among healthcare workers. Results indicated that 85.3% of participants exhibited GOOD knowledge of end-of-life care. However, the study exposed a less favorable aspect of practice, with 60.7% of respondents indicating a poor end-of-life care practice. Conclusion: The study outcomes reveal challenges that hinder optimal end-of-life care delivery. Limited resources, insufficient training opportunities, and the absence of a comprehensive national policy were identified as significant barriers. This study highlights the pressing need for additional research and evaluation to expedite the development of end-of-life care in Nigeria.