Perception and Knowledge of Hospice Care and Attitude toward Death Held by Medical Professionals from the Same Region in Korea

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine medical professionals’ perception and knowledge of hospice and palliative care (HPC) and attitude toward death. Methods: The survey was performed on 84 physicians and 172 nurses in Busan, Korea. Data were collected from April 5, 2012 to April 30, 2012. Results: Regarding the purpose of HPC, the most popular perception was “ To alleviate pain and accommodate comfort” among both physicians and nurses. For the need for HPC, “ Terminal patients need a separate ward for emotional fluctuation” the answer chosen by both groups the most. Both groups scored l ow on knowledge of HPC. For pain and symptom management, physicians scored higher than nurses (physicians: 6.97±1.82, nurses: 5.68±1.93, P＜0.001). Conclusion: Considering the survey results, we suggest development of a program to improve medical professionals’ perception and knowledge of HPC and attitude toward death.