Knowledge and attitude of nursing students towards palliative care: role of focused training.

Aim of the study: There is a mounting need for palliative care in India which is vital to contribute to the quality of life of patients. Care for terminally ill and dying patient requires the skill, knowledge and attitude in the field of palliative care for all the stake holders, more so for nurses who have a key role in caring for patients as they spend the maximum time with the patient than any other member of health professional. Hence training in palliative care must start in the early years of nursing education. Methodology: A questionnaire based study was undertaken to assess the awareness and attitude of nursing students towards palliative care. The study also sensitized the students by conducting a structured workshop on different aspects of palliative care. Pre and post tests were conducted. Results: The results indicated average to poor knowledge and attitude of palliative care in final year BSc nursing students which improved after the intervention of the workshop. Conclusion: The study is suggestive that more specific, structured and focused inputs of handling terminally ill patients is required to be included in the curriculum of nursing.