Improving Knowledge and Attitudes About Palliative Care Through Community Collaborations: A Mixed Methods Intervention Evaluation.

Abstract

Background: Limited knowledge and negative perceptions of palliative care (PC) can result in missed opportunities to access specialty PC. Patient, caregiver, and community education may improve knowledge and attitudes about PC. Methods: Pre- and post-session surveys along with qualitative interivews assessed whether participation in a novel 60-minute webinar about specialty PC changed participants' PC knowledge and attitudes. Participants were recruited in collaboration with community based organizations and included self-identified patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and other individuals interested in the topic. Results: A total of 118 participants completed pre- and post-session surveys. Participants demonstrated a significant increase in PC knowledge on the Palliative Care Knowledge Scale (10.6 vs. 12.5, p < 0.001). Pre-session attitudes were positive and further improved after the educational session. Qualitative interviews demonstrated that participants learned that PC provides more services than previously thought and could ask for a PC referral. Conclusion: We conclude that a 60-minute webinar improved knowledge and attitudes about specialty PC, including a willingness to ask for and accept a referral to PC.