ArticleBMJ open2025
Palliative care in the education of occupational therapists in Germany: an anonymised cross-sectional survey among trainees and students.
Article in BMJ open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesThe objective of this study is to assess the extent to which palliative care content is integrated into occupational therapy education in Germany. In addition, the study will examine trainees' and students' knowledge, experiences and attitudes towards palliative care.
designA cross-sectional quantitative survey study using a structured online questionnaire.
settingInstitutions and universities across Germany that offer training in occupational therapy.
participantsA total of 451 subjects completed the survey (89.4% female). Of these, 91.4% were trainees at vocational schools, while 8.6% were university students. The inclusion criteria stipulated that subjects must be enrolled in an occupational therapy programme in Germany at the time of data collection.
interventionsNot applicable. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes of the study were knowledge, educational experience and attitudes towards palliative care among occupational therapy trainees and students. Secondary outcomes encompassed practical experience with palliative care patients and expressed interest in further training.
resultsA total of 451 occupational therapy trainees and students participated in the survey. The majority of participants (89.4%) were female and in training (91.4%). Although 90.8% had no previous medical training, 69.2% could define palliative care and 92.6% were familiar with the concept of a hospice. However, 68.1% of respondents reported that they had not received any teaching on palliative care as part of their occupational therapy training. A strong interest in further education in this area was expressed by 95.1%. Only 23.9% had practical experience with palliative clients, mainly in nursing homes.
conclusionsA substantial discrepancy exists between the recognised importance of palliative care and its representation in occupational therapy education. The findings underline the necessity for a more robust and methodical incorporation of palliative care into occupational therapy curricula. This integration is crucial to ensure that trainees and students are adequately equipped with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to provide support to seriously ill and dying patients.
trial registrationDRKS00033464.
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