Training in palliative medicine and Maltese doctors : a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction Doctors struggle with end of life decisions. Few if any studies documented the level of training and need for further training in palliative care of local doctors. Method A national cross-sectional survey of all Maltase doctors registered with the Medical Council of Malta and having a local address. Results The response rate was 39.7%, totaling 396 responses. Thirty-one point one per cent of respondents did not have training in palliative care. Sixty-two point six per cent of respondents agreed that their training in palliative care should be extended. Female doctors and younger doctors were significantly more likely to agree to extend their training in palliative care. Past training in palliative care was significantly related to views on euthanasia. Conclusions The majority of Maltese doctors (68.9%) had some form of training in palliative care. Interestingly however, 62.6% of Maltese doctors agree to extend their training in palliative care. Not surprisingly, younger doctors were more eager to extend their training in this area, possibly due to lack of exposure and experience in palliative care. The (significant) relation between training in palliative care and views on euthanasia is an area for possible further study in the future.