Assessment of Knowledge on Palliative Care among Adult and Older Adult Health Residents: Analysis Using the Bonn Palliative Care Knowledge Test (BPW) Questionnaire

Abstract

Palliative Care (PC) aims to promote the quality of life of patients and their families facing life-threatening illnesses and requires professionals with both technical knowledge and emotional competencies. Objective: To compare knowledge and perceived self-efficacy in Palliative Care between first-year (R1) and second-year (R2) residents in the Multiprofessional Residency Program in Adult and Older Adult Health (PRMSAI). Methods: This cross-sectional, analytical, quantitative study was conducted with 65 residents from the fields of Nursing, Physical Therapy, Nutrition, and Psychology. Data were collected using a sociodemographic and professional questionnaire and the Bonn Palliative Care Knowledge Test (BPW), validated for the Brazilian context. The instrument includes a section assessing objective knowledge (Section 1) and another assessing self-efficacy (Section 2). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Student’s t test, with a significance level set at 5%. Results: R2 residents showed a higher mean score on the theoretical knowledge assessment compared with R1 residents; however, the difference was not statistically significant. In contrast, a statistically significant difference was observed in self-efficacy, with higher perceived competence among R2 residents. The main gaps identified in both groups were related to breaking bad news and defining prognosis. Conclusion: The findings suggest that progression through the multiprofessional residency program contributes more substantially to increased self-efficacy than to measurable gains in theoretical knowledge. These results underscore the need for educational strategies focused on developing communication and ethical skills in Palliative Care.