Nurses' Perspectives on Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Palliative Care in Jharkhand, India

Palliative care is an essential aspect of healthcare, particularly for patients with life-limiting illnesses. Nurses play a crucial role in the provision of palliative care. In regions such as Jharkhand, India, where palliative care services are still developing, it is important to assess the level of preparedness among healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. This study aimed to assess nurses' knowledge of and attitudes nurses in Jharkhand toward palliative care.

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 200 registered nurses working in government and private healthcare facilities in Jharkhand were included in this study. A structured questionnaire comprising demographic questions, 20 knowledge-based multiple-choice questions, and a 30-item attitude scale was used for data collection.

Most nurses (57%) demonstrated moderate knowledge of palliative care, and 79% of the participants showed a positive attitude toward palliative care. Nurses with palliative care training and more than five years of experience were significantly more likely to have adequate knowledge (odds ratio [OR]=4.52, P=0.001; OR=3.85, P=0.002). Nurses of Jharkhand had more positive attitudes toward palliative care when they had more education (OR=4.82, P=0.040) and worked in government healthcare facilities (OR=2.63, P=0.007).

This study emphasizes the need for structured education and training programs, especially in government facilities, to improve nurses' knowledge and prepare them to provide comprehensive palliative care. Enhancing nursing education and offering regular professional development opportunities are essential to improve the overall quality of palliative care delivery in the region.