PALLIATIVE CARE IN A MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY - PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS

This study assesses the perceived competence of 191 Australian palliat ive care professionals in delivering crosscultural care. The relations hip between the perceived competence levels of professionals and their experience and training is examined. Strategies to improve crosscultu ral palliative care, as suggested by palliative care providers, are al so presented. Information about perceived competence and the kinds of difficulties encountered in crosscultural palliative care interactions form the basis of suggested guidelines for proposed education program mes. The results of this study suggest that specific education, rather than individual experience of crosscultural interactions, which may n ot always be positive, is needed to improve the competence of palliati ve care professionals. Education, therefore, is the key to the provisi on of culturally appropriate care to patients and their families from all cultural backgrounds.