Knowledge Gaps: Addressing the Need for Palliative Care Education for University Students

This study aims to analyze undergraduate nursing students’ primary palliative care knowledge to determine if there is a need for further palliative care education in undergraduate, pre-licensure curriculums. To make this determination, this study will utilize the Undergraduate Nursing Palliative Care Knowledge Survey (UNPCKS), created by Dr. Andra Davis and Dr. Megan Lippe, a 27-question survey that addresses the 6 domains of holistic palliative care; i) holistic, patient-centered care (Whole person care), ii) collaborative (Interprofessional), iii) understanding of primary palliative care as a resource and how to support patients/families (Advocacy and Knowledge of Primary Palliative Care), iv) the importance of understanding patient’s priorities (Goals of Care), v) the importance of informed conversations with patients and families (Communication), vi) physical care (Symptom Care) and vii) support after a loss (Bereavement). This data is significant and relevant because there is an aging population in the United States that requires increased healthcare for an increasing rate of complex, chronic or life-limiting disease processes for which palliative care is indicated. The sample population will be students enrolled in the undergraduate nursing program at the University of New Hampshire-Durham, and the data will be collected through an online survey distributed to every undergraduate nursing student at the university. The data will then be analyzed using the UNPCKS answer key to determine if there is a knowledge deficit in the primary palliative care knowledge of undergraduate nursing students