Timely palliative care and surgical interventions improve symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and reduce medical cost for seriously ill adults at end of life (EOL). However, there is still poor delivery and underutilization of these palliative services. We hypothesize that the sub-optimal delivery is due to limited understanding among healthcare providers.
A nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted among primary and tertiary healthcare providers. The survey assessed challenges faced, palliative education, confidence in managing palliative patients, and knowledge on palliative surgery. Overall palliative care awareness and knowledge was assessed using a 6-point score. Likelihood of considering various palliative interventions at EOL was also determined using a threshold score (higher score = higher threshold).
There were 145 healthcare providers who completed the survey (81.9% response rate); majority reported significant challenges in providing various aspects of palliative care: 57% (
Healthcare providers in Singapore have poor knowledge and misconceptions about palliative care and surgery. Improving awareness and education among those caring for seriously ill adults is essential.