Nurses’ knowledge and attitude regarding end-of-life care among advanced cancer patients in Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To assess the nurses’ knowledge and attitudes towards End-of-Life Care at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
Study Design: Analytic cross-sectional
Settings: KNH Oncology wards.
Subjects: Nurses working in the oncology wards
Main outcome measures: Nurses knowledge and attitude in EoLc among advanced cancer patients.
Results: The study involved 86 nurses and assessment of knowledge used a selfadministered questionnaire. Results revealed that nurses, 87.5% (75) had good knowledge. Low scores were noted in key questions; 52% (n=45) thought death was the worst thing that could happen to a person and 61%; (n=53) were uncomfortable talking about impending death. Assessment of nurses’ attitudes (FATCODs) revealed positive attitude score of ≥80. Despite this positive attitudes, 55%; n=47 nurses wished to be away from the patient when the patients die while 48%; (n=41) were uncomfortable with patients crying denoting negative attitude towards EoLc.
Conclusion: this study showed that nurses had good knowledge, positive attitude towards advanced cancer patients in EoLc, that death was the worst thing that could ever happen, and a significant proportion was uncomfortable dealing with a dying patient. Most nurses had not taken any specific formal training on death and dying.