Differences in the knowledge, attitudes, and needs of caregivers and healthcare providers regarding palliative care: a cross-sectional investigation in pediatric settings in China

Countries abroad have implemented pediatric palliative treatment for several years; however, complete pediatric palliative treatment guidelines and legal guidance remain lacking in China, making the implementation of palliative care difficult.

This study aimed to understand the current situation, similarities, and differences in the knowledge, attitudes, and needs of caregivers and healthcare providers regarding palliative care for children.

This cross-correlation study collected data from pediatric and neonatal intensive care units of four hospitals in China. The participants comprised 180 caregivers and 172 healthcare providers. The measurement tools included the palliative care knowledge scale, palliative care attitude scale, and pediatric palliative care needs scale. This study adhered to the STROBE reporting guidelines.

Significant differences in palliative care knowledge, attitudes, and needs were observed between caregivers and healthcare providers (p < 0.005). Pediatric healthcare providers demonstrated higher knowledge and positive attitudes regarding palliative care than caregivers. Needs for communication in general and relief from pain and other symptoms of caregivers were higher than those of healthcare providers (p < 0.001). Furthermore, palliative care attitude and needs of healthcare providers were positively correlated with each other (r = 0.212, p < 0.005).

Pediatric healthcare providers and caregivers demonstrated different perceptions of needs for palliative care. The results of this study can serve as a reference for the future development of guidelines related to children’s needs and related interventions.