Knowledge and attitudes about palliative care among pharmacy students: A case study of a university in the northeastern region of Thailand

Pharmacy Practice

  • Solita Thea1Clinical Pharmacy Division, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
  • Nungruthai Sooksai1Clinical Pharmacy Division, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
  • Suthan Chanthawong1Clinical Pharmacy Division, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.

Volume 24 Issue 3 Pages 1-23

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2026.3.3603

Abstract

Background: Palliative care is increasingly recognized as a core component of holistic, patient-centered healthcare, particularly in the context of aging populations and chronic illness. In Thailand, the rising demand for palliative services calls for a healthcare workforce that is both competent and compassionate, yet palliative care remains underrepresented in pharmacy education. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate pharmacy students at Khon Kaen University toward palliative care (PC), advance care planning (ACP), and advance care directives (ACDs), and to explore their associations with demographic and educational factors. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using a self-administered bilingual questionnaire (Thai and English) among 250 undergraduate pharmacy students. The instrument included demographics, 25 knowledge questions, and 42 attitude statements regarding PC, ACP, and ACDs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: Students demonstrated moderate knowledge of PC (mean 7.13/10, 62.8%) and ACP/ACDs (mean 10.34/15, 57.2%). Attitudes were generally neutral toward PC (62.8%), ACP (56.0%), and ACDs (83.2%). Knowledge scores were significantly associated with age, academic year, and prior training (p < 0.05). Attitudes were significantly influenced by personal experience in caring for terminally ill patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Despite moderate knowledge, students’ neutral attitudes suggest a lack of confidence or emotional readiness for palliative care roles. Findings underscore the urgent need for curriculum integration of palliative topics tailored by academic level and exposure. Simulation-based, interdisciplinary, and emotionally supportive strategies may enhance both competence and empathy. Future research should evaluate the long-term impact of such interventions on professional practice.

Keywords

  • Palliative care
  • Advance care planning
  • Advance care directives
  • Pharmacy students
  • Attitude
  • Knowledge
Pharmacy Practice

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