Residency-trained nurse’ knowledge and attitude towards palliative care in a specific region of China: a cross-sectional study

The purpose of this study was to insight into the perceptions, beliefs, and perceptions of Residency-trained nurse and to identify their attitudes and requirements for palliative care. A descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey were conducted. From January to May 2025, 367 residency-trained nurse were recruited from five tertiary hospitals in Chongqing Municipality, China. Participants completed a demographic form, 20-item the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (PCQN), 29-item the Frommelt Attitudes Towards Care of the Dying (FATCOD) and 32-item Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAP-R) questionnaire.Independent t-tests and univariate analysis were employed to investigate the relationships among the three main variables, and multiple regression analysis was used to identify the factors influencing the knowledge acquisition of palliative care among resident nurses. Residency-trained nurse’ palliative care knowledge level was low (8.77±2.97; range = 0–20) and their attitude toward palliative care was moderate low (75.32±8.29, range: 30–120). Knowledge was significantly correlated with attitude (r = -0.321, p ≤0 .001). The linear regression model with four factors (The reasons for choosing the nursing profession、Do the people in your family openly discuss topics related to death、FATCOD、DAP) explained 15.8% of the variance in total knowledge related to palliative care(F = 3.426, p＜0.001). The attitudes of resident nurses towards death and caring for terminally ill patients are positive, but their overall level of knowledge about palliative care is relatively low. This might be due to the insufficient palliative care education in the nursing plan. In the nursing residency training program in Chongqing City, China, palliative care education should be incorporated into the nursing curriculum, and nursing educators should particularly emphasize the teaching of social psychology and spiritual care, and strengthen the students' psychological handling ability in dealing with the challenges during the patients' terminal stage.