AN EVALUATION OF THE PERCEPTION OF PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES BY RELATIONS OF THE TERMINALLY ILL PERSONS IN UBTH, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE.

ABSTRACT

The study looked at  an evaluation of the perception of palliative care services by relations of the terminally ill persons in UBTH, Benin, City, Edo state, Nigeria. The objective of this study was to evaluate of the perception of palliative care services by relations of the terminally ill persons in UBTH, Benin, City, Edo state. The research questions asked to achieve the objective of the study were as follows; What are the most common misconceptions about palliative care held by families of the terminally ill, and how do these misconceptions impact their perceptions of the service, what are the key factors that influence families' decisions to seek or decline palliative care services, and how do these factors vary across different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and how do families of the terminally ill prefer to receive information about palliative care options and goals of care, and how can communication approaches be adapted to meet their individual needs and preferences.The sample size was 301 participants chosen from the study population using the Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling, the research instrument utilized was the questionnaire. Conclusion drawn from the analysis of the data retrieved from the questionnaire indicates that the research paper not only align with existing research but also provide a deeper understanding of the specific nature of these misconceptions within the context of your study population. This knowledge is crucial for developing targeted educational interventions that effectively address these misconceptions and promote a more holistic understanding of palliative care.Furthermore, this research extends beyond simply identifying the existence of misconceptions. we have shed light on the nuanced ways in which cultural and religious beliefs can intertwine with these misconceptions, further impacting families' understanding and acceptance of palliative care. This highlights the need for educational programs that are not only culturally sensitive but also acknowledge the influence of religious beliefs on decision-making.Recommendations were made based on the findings and one of the recommendations: Equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively implement culturally sensitive communication strategies. This training should go beyond simply respecting cultural backgrounds and delve into understanding how cultural and religious beliefs shape communication styles and information processing. Training should also emphasize the importance of involving family members in shared decision-making and actively listening to their concerns and preferences.