Empowering critical care nurses: bridging knowledge gaps in palliative care

This study examines the knowledge of palliative care among critical care nurses in Oman.

Despite the growing recognition of palliative care's importance, evidence indicates a pervasive deficiency in nurses' understanding of its core principles, particularly in areas such as symptom management, communication strategies, and the psychological and spiritual dimensions of care.

Utilizing a cross-sectional survey methodology, we assessed the knowledge of 131 ICU nurses at an academic teaching hospital in Oman using the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing.

The findings indicated substantial knowledge deficits, with an overall mean knowledge score of 8.89 out of 20. Notably, the highest mean score of 6.62 was associated with managing pain and other symptoms based on 13 identified items assessed. In contrast, the lowest mean score of 1.02 was observed in understanding the philosophy and principles of palliative care, as assessed by four items.

The results reveal significant knowledge deficits among critical care nurses that may adversely affect patient care quality. Moreover, the study considers Oman's cultural and religious context, where expatriate healthcare professionals may encounter challenges in aligning palliative care practices with the patient population's beliefs and expectations.

Addressing the knowledge gaps in palliative care among critical care nurses is essential for improving patients' quality of life and overall satisfaction with care during critical illness. This encompasses not only the effective management of symptoms and treatment side effects but also a focus on emotional, psychological, and social needs, ultimately fostering a more holistic approach to critical care nursing in Oman.