Knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy regarding palliative care among Palestinian nurses in intensive care units

Palliative care is crucial for all intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians. However, its effective implementation is often challenged by insufficient training, high staff turnover, and limited resources, negatively affecting the quality of care. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy regarding palliative care among ICU nurses in hospitals in the West Bank.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 ICU nurses in governmental hospitals across the West Bank. Data were gathered between January and July 2024 through self-administered questionnaires, including the Palliative Care Quiz for Nurses (PCQN), the Frommelt Attitudes Towards Care of the Dying (FATCOD) scale, and the Palliative Care Self-Efficacy Scale (PCSES).

The findings revealed insufficient levels of palliative care knowledge (M = 6.6 ± 2.6 out of 20), positive/favorable attitudes (M = 94.1 ± 2.9 out of 150), and low self-efficacy in palliative care (M = 23.0 ± 8.1 out of 48) among nurses. Significant predictors of self-efficacy included ICU experience and marital status, with single nurses and more experience showing higher self-efficacy (p < 0.01).

This study highlights the pressing need for targeted interventions to address the gaps in palliative care knowledge and attitudes among ICU nurses. Implementing such initiatives could substantially improve the delivery of palliative care in resource-constrained settings, emphasizing the importance of action to promote better patient outcomes.