Hospice Care Literacy Among Providers and Families in Taiwanese Long-Term Care Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Survey

To compare hospice care literacy (HCL) between multidisciplinary care providers (MCPs) and residents' families (RFs) in hospital-affiliated long-term care facilities (HALTCFs), and to identify factors associated with HCL to promote non-cancer hospice care.

A cross-sectional descriptive study using a quantitative survey approach.

Three HALTCFs were randomly selected from 19 hospitals in northern Taiwan. Participants were drawn from facility-provided lists of individuals willing to participate. Data was collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Hospice Care Literacy Scale (HCLS) from April to November 2019. One-way ANOVA and multiple stepwise regression were used to analyse group differences and predictors.

A total of 234 participants were recruited (131 MCPs, 103 RFs). Over 50% of MCPs and 25.24% of RFs had a junior college education or above. Both groups demonstrated moderate HCL, with MCPs scoring higher. In MCPs, HCL was significantly predicted by access to-related information or programmes, family structure, age, education and self-rated quality of life (F = 8.86, p < 0.001, R² = 26.2%), with Advance Care Planning (ACP) information being the strongest predictor. For RFs, education level was the primary predictor (F = 16.86, p < 0.001, R² = 25%).

MCPs in HALTCFs should receive systematic in-service education on non-cancer hospice care and ACP, which can enhance their knowledge, attitudes and skills, thereby alleviating their physical and psychological burdens. Additionally, strengthening the discussion of hospice care upon admission with residents and their families is crucial. Personalised multimedia educational materials on hospice care and ACP designed for different age groups, educational levels and cognitive statuses should be considered major and essential interventions.

This study did not involve any patient or public participation; therefore, there is no patient or public contribution.