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2019-11-18
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Copyright (c) 2019 Maddy Pick
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Palliative Care Knowledge and Attitudes
Results from National HINTS Data
Madeleine Pick, MPH
University of Minnesota School of Public Health
Abstract
Evidence demonstrates that palliative care for serious or terminal illness can improve quality of life and reduce health care spending, but it is still underused by many sub-populations. One possible barrier that contributes to underuse of palliative care may be lack of knowledge of palliative care or, for those who are aware, confusions about the goals of palliative care. This study has two primary objectives: (1) describe the level of knowledge of palliative care among adults in the U.S. and (2) identify whether palliative care knowledge varies based on sociodemographic characteristics. A secondary objective is to (3) describe what participants think are the goals of palliative care. Data from the national Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 5 cycle 2 was analyzed (n = 3,505). Frequencies and a multivariate logistic regression model were used to assess the relationship between independent variables of caregiving, cancer status, and rurality as predictors of palliative care knowledge. Weighted data estimated that 28.7% of the population has ever heard of palliative care. A logistic regression model showed a significant difference in knowledge of palliative care by caregiving status. Differences by cancer status and rurality were not statistically significant. Other statistically significant differences were found by age, sex, education, income, and ethnicity. Differences in palliative care knowledge may help inform communication efforts targeting these groups. Closing knowledge gaps based on this information may also help increase utilization of palliative care.
