'There is no such word as palliative care for us at the moment': A mixed-method study exploring the perceptions of healthcare professionals on the need for palliative care in Bhutan.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The need for palliative care is ever-increasing globally. However, it is least developed or not available in most low-and-middle-income-countries including Bhutan.

Objective

This study was aimed at exploring the perspectives of Bhutanese healthcare professionals on the need for palliative care in the country.

Design

This is a cross-sectional, mixed-method study.

Setting/subjects

The study sites included all levels of healthcare in Bhutan and involved doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, health assistants and Drungtshos (traditional physicians). Data were collected through surveys, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews.

Results

While the majority of the participants were directly involved in taking care of terminally

SUBMITTER: Laabar TD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11329896 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature