The Journal of Korean Society of Community-Based Occupational Therapy Vol.11 No.2 pp.25-35
A Study on the Role, Awareness and Knowledge of Occupational Therapists in Hospice and Palliative Care Environment
Key Words : Role,Palliative Care,Knowledge,Occupational Therapy,Perception,Hospice
Abstract
Objective : In this study, we tried to establish the basic data of occupational therapy in hospice and palliative care by confirming the role, awareness and knowledge of occupational therapists in the environment of hospice and palliative care. Methods : This study was conducted with 200 occupational therapists from all over the country who agreed to participate in the study. The survey was conducted through an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 41 questions, including 6 general characteristics, 10 questions related to the role of occupational therapist in hospice·palliative care, 20 questions on knowledge measurement of hospice·palliative care, and 5 questions on perception of occupational therapy in hospice·palliative care . Descriptive statistics were used for the general characteristics and priority, frequency, and proportion of occupational therapy roles in hospice and palliative care. Independent sample T-test and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed to understand the difference in hospice and palliative care knowledge measurement according to general characteristics. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to confirm the effect of perception of hospice and palliative care on knowledge of hospice and palliative care. Results : The priority for the role of occupational therapists in hospice and palliative care was high in the order of prepare for death, pain prevention and reduction, and quality of life. Overall awareness of hospice and palliative care was low, and the need and curriculum for occupational therapy in hospice and palliative care were high. Comparative analysis of hospice and palliative care knowledge according to general characteristics of occupational therapists did not show any significant difference. Conclusion : Through this study, it was possible to confirm the opinion and level of occupational therapy in hospice and palliative care of domestic occupational therapists. In the future, it is necessary to develop a curriculum for hospice and palliative care occupational therapy and to conduct related research.