Palliative Care Knowledge among Physicians in King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross Section Study

Aims: To estimate the level of understanding of non-palliative physicians regarding the palliative approach and to identify areas of weakness in their management of advanced terminal symptoms.

Study Design: An observational study was conducted among physicians at a single center using a cross-sectional design.

Location and Duration of Study: King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: The sample size was determined using ROA software based on the number of physicians. A validated survey was used from a comparable study conducted in Vietnam. The data was transmitted via an electronic iteration of the authorized survey.

Statistical significance will be assessed using a significance level of P < 0.05 and a confidence range of 95%.

Results: The study included a sample size of 80 individuals, with the highest proportion (37.5%) belonging to the age group of 31-40 years. The findings revealed that 57.5% of the participants have knowledge about comprehensive and appropriate palliative care. The study found significant positive correlations between healthcare provider practices and education (r: 0.360, P <0.001), as well as comprehensive Palliative Care Practices (r: 0.476, P <0.001). A negative correlation was seen between knowledge and belief of end- of-life (r = -0.358, P <0.001). Statistically significant correlations were observed between knowledge of palliative care and age (p =0.028), degree (P <0.001), and clinical practice area (P =0.004). The pain management category showed a significant positive correlation with healthcare providers and practices (r: 0.316, P =0.004).

Conclusion: The findings revealed that physicians possessed insufficient knowledge in the areas of pain management and palliative care. Knowledge levels are associated with age, educational attainment, and beliefs about end-of-life care. The study recommended the implementation of additional specialized facilities and the establishment of more efficient palliative care education programs.