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. 2022 Aug 4;21(1):141.
doi: 10.1186/s12904-022-01028-w.

Perspectives, perceived self-efficacy, and preparedness of newly qualified physicians' in practising palliative care-a qualitative study

Nwabata Oji  1 , Tonia Onyeka  2 , Olaitan Soyannwo  3 , Piret Paal  4 , Frank Elsner  5
Affiliations

Perspectives, perceived self-efficacy, and preparedness of newly qualified physicians' in practising palliative care-a qualitative study

Nwabata Oji et al. BMC Palliat Care. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Background: Dealing with life-limiting illnesses, death, dying and grief, is uncharted territory for medical graduates. It is a field that is heavily influenced by cultural, religio-spiritual and social factors. This adds complexity to palliative and end-of-life-care, which challenges newly qualified physicians and requires the formation of appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes in junior doctors. This study aimed to obtain insight into the perspectives, perceived self-efficacy, and preparedness of newly qualified Nigerian physicians in practising palliative care and identify potential variables influencing them.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional, multi-centre survey of newly qualified Nigerian physicians, using semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews. The data were analysed by applying content-structuring qualitative content analysis.

Results: Forty semi-structured interviews were conducted with medical house officers at two tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The perceived self-efficacy and preparedness of newly qualified Nigerian physicians in practising palliative care were reported to be higher in areas of family involvement, and pain and symptom management than in areas of breaking bad news, prognosis, and diagnosing dying. Major influences on the young physicians' perceived self-efficacy and preparedness in practising palliative care were socio-economic circumstances of a resource-limited setting and cultural-religious considerations. In addition, the perceived impact of palliative care education and experience was documented.

Conclusions: This study offers valuable insights into the perceived self-efficacy and preparedness of newly qualified physicians and reveals the influence of socio-cultural and socio-economic variables in Nigeria. Evidence of the social, cultural, and religio-spiritual dimensions of palliative care is indispensable for culturally sensitive care. These results could aid in the development of appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes in newly qualified physicians through culturally and contextually appropriate palliative care training measures. The results may be applicable to other sub-Saharan African settings and may be used to improve future palliative care education, training, and practice.

Keywords: Education; Newly Qualified Physicians; Nigeria; Palliative Care; Preparedness; Self-Efficacy; Socio-Cultural and Socio-economic Influences.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors hereby declare that they have no competing interests to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The final code system: Main codes and corresponding subcodes
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Systemisation of the main codes: Frame conditions for PC in Nigeria and variables on the individual level influence NQPs’ perceived self-efficacy and preparedness in practising PC. Socio-cultural and socio-economic influences are relevant at all levels
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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