LEARNING IN PALLIATIVE CARE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY UNDERGRADUATES

Learning in palliative care from the perspective of occupational therapy undergraduates

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47222/2526-3544.rbto65100

Keywords:

Cuidados Paliativos, Aprendizagem, Terapia Ocupacional

Abstract

Abstract:Introduction:Palliative care is recognised as a human right, but this type of care faces challenges such as the lack of availability of opioids for pain control, cultural issues and knowledge gaps among health professionals. Training in palliative care is one of the main obstacles to the development of specialised care for patients with life-threatening illnesses, and it is essential to qualify the training of occupational therapists in order to better meet the demands in this area. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach, carried out with occupational therapy undergraduates from federal universities. The information was collected using an online questionnaire, and the data was analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Results: 27 students took part in the study, who reported little access to training in palliative care in the three axes of university activities (teaching, research and extension). The participants showed that they were aware of most of the principles of palliative care; however, they pointed to a lack of practice in the area, a factor that reflects the students' difficulty in referring patients for palliative care and in associating palliative care with an approach applied at the end of life. Discussion: It is imperative to discuss training tools in palliative care and it is necessary to increase investment in undergraduate teaching for health students. Conclusion: The limitations of knowledge associated with a lack of practical experience make it difficult to develop the skills necessary for qualified care.

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Author Biography

Tatiana Barbieri Bombarda, Universidade Federal de São Carlos

Abstract:Introduction:Palliative care is recognised as a human right, but this type of care faces challenges such as the lack of availability of opioids for pain control, cultural issues and knowledge gaps among health professionals. Training in palliative care is one of the main obstacles to the development of specialised care for patients with life-threatening illnesses, and it is essential to qualify the training of occupational therapists in order to better meet the demands in this area. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach, carried out with occupational therapy undergraduates from federal universities. The information was collected using an online questionnaire, and the data was analysed using simple descriptive statistics. Results: 27 students took part in the study, who reported little access to training in palliative care in the three axes of university activities (teaching, research and extension). The participants showed that they were aware of most of the principles of palliative care; however, they pointed to a lack of practice in the area, a factor that reflects the students' difficulty in referring patients for palliative care and in associating palliative care with an approach applied at the end of life. Discussion: It is imperative to discuss training tools in palliative care and it is necessary to increase investment in undergraduate teaching for health students. Conclusion: The limitations of knowledge associated with a lack of practical experience make it difficult to develop the skills necessary for qualified care.

References

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Published

2025-10-31

How to Cite

Lavelli, R., & Barbieri Bombarda, T. (2025). LEARNING IN PALLIATIVE CARE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY UNDERGRADUATES: Learning in palliative care from the perspective of occupational therapy undergraduates. Revista Interinstitucional Brasileira De Terapia Ocupacional - REVISBRATO, 9(4), 3596–3610. https://doi.org/10.47222/2526-3544.rbto65100