Palliative care management of head and neck cancer patients among otolaryngology surgeons: a novel national survey assessing knowledge, decision making, perceived confidence and training in the UK.
J Laryngol Otol
; 136(9): 799-808, 2022 Sep.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35492021
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Management of head and neck cancer patients provides unique challenges. Palliation serves to optimise quality-of-life by alleviating suffering and maintaining dignity. Prompt recognition and management of suffering is paramount to achieving this. This study aimed to assess perceived confidence, knowledge and adequacy of palliative training among UK-based otolaryngologists.METHOD:
Eight multiple-choice questions developed by five palliative care consultants via the Delphi method were distributed over five weeks. Knowledge, perceived confidence and palliative exposure among middle-grade and consultant otolaryngologists were assessed, alongside training deficits.RESULTS:
Overall, 145 responses were collated from middle-grade (n = 88, 60.7 per cent) and consultant (n = 57, 39.3 per cent) otolaryngologists. The mean knowledge score was 5 out of 10, with 22.1 per cent (n = 32) stating confidence in palliative management. The overwhelming majority (n = 129, 88.9 per cent) advocated further training.CONCLUSION:
A broad understanding of palliative care, alongside appropriate specialist involvement, is key in meeting the clinical needs of palliative patients. Curriculum integration of educational modalities such as simulation and online training may optimise palliative care.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Otolaryngology
/
Surgeons
/
Head and Neck Neoplasms
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Aspects:
Patient_preference
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
J Laryngol Otol
Year:
2022
Document type:
Article