Assessment of Palliative Care Knowledge Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses
Abstract
Background: Patients receiving care in intensive care units (ICUsrequire specialized care due to the severity and complexity of their conditions. Palliative care plays a critical role in improving the quality of life of patients and their families. This study aimed to assess the level of palliative care knowledge among ICU nurses in hospitals affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2025 on 97 ICU nurses with at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a minimum of one year of work experience. Convenience sampling was used. Data were gathered through a demographic information form alongside the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (PCQN). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software (version 21). Descriptive statistics were applied, and group comparisons were examined using an independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Scheffé post hoc tests.
Results: The overall mean score of nurses’ palliative care knowledge was above average (14.92 ± 6.5). The highest knowledge levels were observed in the psychosocial dimension and differentiation of acute versus chronic pain. The lowest knowledge scores were related to pain management, placebo use, family presence at the end of life, and side effects of opioid medications. Findings indicated that nurses over 40 years old and those with more than 10 years of work experience had significantly lower palliative care knowledge (p < 0.05). There was no significant variation in knowledge scores based on gender, whereas married nurses tended to achieve higher knowledge levels compared with unmarried nurses.
Conclusion: Nurses’ knowledge of palliative care is largely based on clinical experience rather than updated evidence-based guidelines. Existing knowledge gaps could compromise the quality of palliative care services. Therefore, the implementation of structured and evidence-based educational programs, particularly for experienced nurses, is crucial for strengthening care standards and promoting better patient outcomes.
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