There are numerous difficulties encountered in the diffusion of palliative care (PC) in developed countries. A correct and widespread awareness of PC among the general public represents an important factor for its enhanced diffusion and use. The aim of this study is to verify the level of awareness of PC among Italians and their perception of the needs of patients with incurable illness. A random sample of 1897 adult subjects, aged 18 to 74 years, representative of the Italian population, was interviewed after stratification by gender, age (6 strata), education (3 levels), geographic area of residency (4 areas) and town of residency (4 dimensions). 59.4% of those interviewed had heard of PC, but only 23.5% of them believed that they had an adequate or precise idea of what PC is; 27% of them did not know or had a mistaken idea about the nature of PC. The most accepted perception was that PC alleviates pain and improves quality-of-life. The principal concerns attributed to incurable patients were: fear of suffering and of death, and the principal needs were perceived as: relief from pain and physical suffering. The primary needs of the family were identified in: medical and nursing care at home, followed by: care provided by volunteers and psychological support. The most appropriate care-setting for these patients was indicated as their home, possibly with the support of professional carers. In the case of children, the main concern indicated was that of being "separated" from family, friends, home and toys. Only 45.2% of interviewees thought that they knew a person who had experienced PC. In conclusion, the awareness of the Italian population of PC is scarce and often incorrect. In order to achieve a greater diffusion and better use of PC in our country, this awareness needs to be improved by appropriate intervention.

Awareness, understanding and attitudes of Italians regarding palliative care / Benini, Franca; Fabris, Monica; Pace, Daniela S.; Vernò, Valentina; Negro, Valentina; De Conno, Franco; Orzalesi, Marcello M.. - In: ANNALI DELL'ISTITUTO SUPERIORE DI SANITÀ. - ISSN 0021-2571. - 47:3(2011), pp. 253-259. [10.4415/ANN-11-03-03]

Awareness, understanding and attitudes of Italians regarding palliative care

FABRIS, MONICA;Pace, Daniela S.;
2011

Abstract

There are numerous difficulties encountered in the diffusion of palliative care (PC) in developed countries. A correct and widespread awareness of PC among the general public represents an important factor for its enhanced diffusion and use. The aim of this study is to verify the level of awareness of PC among Italians and their perception of the needs of patients with incurable illness. A random sample of 1897 adult subjects, aged 18 to 74 years, representative of the Italian population, was interviewed after stratification by gender, age (6 strata), education (3 levels), geographic area of residency (4 areas) and town of residency (4 dimensions). 59.4% of those interviewed had heard of PC, but only 23.5% of them believed that they had an adequate or precise idea of what PC is; 27% of them did not know or had a mistaken idea about the nature of PC. The most accepted perception was that PC alleviates pain and improves quality-of-life. The principal concerns attributed to incurable patients were: fear of suffering and of death, and the principal needs were perceived as: relief from pain and physical suffering. The primary needs of the family were identified in: medical and nursing care at home, followed by: care provided by volunteers and psychological support. The most appropriate care-setting for these patients was indicated as their home, possibly with the support of professional carers. In the case of children, the main concern indicated was that of being "separated" from family, friends, home and toys. Only 45.2% of interviewees thought that they knew a person who had experienced PC. In conclusion, the awareness of the Italian population of PC is scarce and often incorrect. In order to achieve a greater diffusion and better use of PC in our country, this awareness needs to be improved by appropriate intervention.
2011
Italian survey; palliative care; public awareness; public health; environmental and occupational health
01 Pubblicazione su rivista::01a Articolo in rivista
Awareness, understanding and attitudes of Italians regarding palliative care / Benini, Franca; Fabris, Monica; Pace, Daniela S.; Vernò, Valentina; Negro, Valentina; De Conno, Franco; Orzalesi, Marcello M.. - In: ANNALI DELL'ISTITUTO SUPERIORE DI SANITÀ. - ISSN 0021-2571. - 47:3(2011), pp. 253-259. [10.4415/ANN-11-03-03]
File allegati a questo prodotto
File Dimensione Formato  
Benini_Awareness_2020.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipologia: Documento in Post-print (versione successiva alla peer review e accettata per la pubblicazione)
Licenza: Tutti i diritti riservati (All rights reserved)
Dimensione 120.64 kB
Formato Adobe PDF
120.64 kB Adobe PDF

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11573/1099031
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 45
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 39
social impact