Knowledge and Attitudes of Hospice and Palliative Care Professionals toward Diversity and Religious Literacy in Cyprus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> This study is the first to document knowledge-base and knowledge attitudes about cultural competence and religious literacy in hospice and palliative care in Cyprus. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this article is to investigate and document the knowledge-base and attitudes toward advancing knowledge and expertise of hospice and palliative care professionals in Cyprus. <b><i>Measurements:</i></b> A cross-sectional self-administered online survey, which reached 80 hospice and palliative care professionals employed in the sector, was used. The response rate was 64%, which increases the generalizability of the results. Forty-one surveys were completed fully and included in the study. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Frederick University in Cyprus (EEBK EP 2019.01.28). <b><i>Results:</i></b> This study shows that self-awareness, reflexivity, and respect toward <i>the other</i> and other people's culture and religion are associated with the current knowledge-base of the professionals, as well as attitudes toward future learning opportunities, lifelong learning, and initiating learning between professionals and agencies. The results present three themes: <i>knowledge development</i>, <i>knowledge empowerment</i>, and <i>knowledge exchange</i>. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Professionals and organizations need to nurture and promote lifelong learning, supervision, and enable individual practitioners to engage with activities that will enhance their self-awareness, reflexivity, and attitude toward the unique identities of others.