Effect of palliative care communication on knowledge and attitude among caregivers of cancer patients

Abstract

Background: Palliative care is provided to improve the quality of life of cancer patients, which does not actually cure the disease but to provide comfort, supportive care, and symptom management long as life remains. It improves patient satisfaction and reduces depression. Hence, the study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the planned teaching program on knowledge regarding palliative care among caregivers of cancer patients. Materials and Methods: An evaluative study conducted using one group pretest-posttest research design on 60 samples selected by convenience sampling technique. Self-structured questionnaire is used for data collection. Results: Pre- and post-test knowledge scores were compared with the help of paired t-test. Pretest mean was 10.733 with a standard deviation (SD) 3.424 and posttest mean was 15.917 with SD of 1.720. The calculated 't' value 15.842, which is extremely significant P < 0.0001. There was no statistically significant association found with the knowledge level of caregivers with sociodemographic variables. Conclusion: Palliative care communication was effective for improving the knowledge level and practices regarding palliative care among caregivers of cancer patients.