[Palliative care knowledge and attitudes to end-of-life issues among the general public in Iceland.]

Abstract

Introduction: Worldwide, the number of older people will increase in the coming decades. With high-er age the likelihood of being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness increases, often leading to suffering and decreased quality of life. Earlier introduction to palliative care (PC) can help patients to better cope with their illness and improve quality of life. Knowledge of PC among the general public can affect attitudes towards accepting PC service.

Material and methods: The Social Science Institute of University of Iceland performed a survey using online panel consisting of individuals 18 years and older. Random sample of 1963 individuals from Registers Iceland received the Palliative Care Knowledge Scale (PaCKS) with 7 right and 6 wrong statements and 8 questions on attitudes to end-of-life issues. Results Response rate was 41%. 730 (37%) answered the PaCKS, mean score of right answers was 6.37. A total of 95% had heard of PC, mostly from media or through a friend/relative who had received PC. A total of 70% thought PC was all about end-of life, 9 % had heard about advanced care planning. Half of the responders had never thought about writing down their wishes regarding end-of-life care, 32% thought about it but had not done anything about it. Over half would like to receive care at home in the last months of life, 70% would like to die at home. Around 80% were followers of euthanasia.

Conclusion: Knowledge of PC among the general public in Iceland is lacking. It is important to promote knowledge of PC. Many had never thought of end-of-life care but are pro legalizing euthanasia.