Australian resident doctors want more palliative medicine education: a survey of attitudes and perceived needs

Intern Med J. 2012 Jul;42(7):828-30. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2012.02824.x.

Abstract

Most expected deaths occur in acute hospitals, and medical staff providing end-of-life care are generally not palliative medicine specialists. Through a voluntary self-administered survey, this study explored resident doctors' attitudes to palliative medicine and their perceived educational needs. Fifty-two resident doctors participated (response rate 39%), mostly acknowledging the importance of palliative medicine to their practice and emphasising that further postgraduate education is necessary.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Australia
  • Data Collection / methods
  • Education, Medical, Graduate / methods*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency / methods*
  • Palliative Care / methods*
  • Perception
  • Physicians / psychology*