Knowledge and awareness of undergraduate medical students regarding palliative care in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

Our study assesses the current knowledge and prior awareness of undergraduate medical students in Pakistan regarding palliative care.

This descriptive Cross-sectional online survey was distributed among undergraduate medical students across Pakistan, with a sample size of 246 participants. The questionnaire, adapted from the PaCKS questionnaire by Kozlov et al. (JAMA 15(5):524–34, 2017), was designed to assess the students’ prior knowledge about palliative care.

The mean PaCKS score was 9.7 out of 13, with a standard deviation of 2.76. Having heard of palliative care before participation in the study was significantly associated with higher PaCKS scores. Key factors associated with a higher incidence of prior awareness of palliative care included attending private institutions, being in a more advanced year of study, and having a higher mean monthly family income (P < 0.001 for each factor).

This study explores medical students' understanding of palliative care in Pakistan, finding that while many have a basic grasp of the concept, there are notable misconceptions, particularly in differentiating palliative care from hospice care and understanding its broader role. Interestingly, students' knowledge did not significantly improve as they advanced through medical school, suggesting potential shortcomings in the curriculum. The findings highlight the need for more precise education and targeted training to better equip future healthcare providers for delivering patient-centered care.