End-of-life care knowledge and attitude in managing dying patients among healthcare workers in the emergency department

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: End-of-life care (EOLC) in the emergency department (ED) is a growing global necessity. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes toward EOLC among ED healthcare workers. METHODS: A prospective and cross-sectional study was conducted involving 155 healthcare workers at a tertiary ED. The Palliative Care Knowledge Tool (PCKT) and the Frommelt Attitude toward Care of the Dying (FATCOD) Scale were adapted, translated into Malay, and validated for use. Participants completed validated, self-administered questionnaires assessing knowledge using FATCOD the PCKT and attitudes toward EOLC using the FATCOD Scale. The primary outcomes were the healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes, with secondary analysis exploring associated factors. RESULTS: The overall level of knowledge on EOLC among healthcare workers was poor with a mean score of 8.54 (±2.97) out of 17. Despite this, attitudes toward EOLC were positive with a mean score of 92.61 (±8.80) out of 120. A weak positive correlation was found between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.186, n = 155, P = 0.020). The factors such as education level, work experience, and profession were significantly associated with variations in knowledge and attitudes. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that despite poor knowledge of EOLC among healthcare workers in the ED, their attitudes toward managing dying patients were positive. The weak correlation between knowledge and attitudes suggests a modest link between these domains.