A field survey on educational activities for palliative care for citizens and patients

ABSTRACT

<b>Purpose</b> Improving knowledge of palliative care among cancer patients and the general public may be useful for achieving a better quality of life for cancer patients. The aim of this study was to identify the actual situation after the dissemination of leaflets, booklets, and posters as a part of a regional palliative care program. <b>Methods</b> We distributed leaflets, booklets, and posters on palliative care to 257 administrative and health institutions across the region. We also visited 216 institutions (84%) to observe the actual situation and performed interviews in 133 of the institutions (62%). <b>Results</b> Overall, 58% of the institutions used the leaflets, booklets or posters. Public halls, libraries and hospitals used them at a rate of 65% or higher. Interviews identified 7 themes, including "explaining the aim of the project before dissemination is important", "few cancer patients or even the general public visit", "staff made various efforts to display the items after dissemination", and "staff learned from the leaflets and booklets, even if cancer patients seldom visited". <b>Conclusion</b> The dissemination of leaflets, booklets or posters throughout the region might be useful for conveying accurate knowledge about palliative care not only for cancer patients and the general public, but also for health care professionals. Target institutions should include public halls, libraries, and hospitals, and pre-dissemination discussions about the aim of the project and what kinds of people visit the institutions in addition to post-dissemination follow-up may be useful. Palliat Care Res 2010;5(2) 171-174