Greek citizens’ attitudes towards the establishment of palliative care hospices: findings from an earlier study and perspectives

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The palliative care hospice movement has spread worldwide.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of Greek citizens towards the establishment and operation of palliative care hospices.

Material and method: The study was conducted in 2010 on a sample of Greek citizens using a structured questionnaire, which was derived from the processing of a valid and reliable questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha 0.70). The data analysis was carried out using descriptives

Results: The findings demonstrated a significant lack of knowledge regarding palliative care. However, the majority of participants expressed a positive attitude towards the establishment of hospices in Greece. Obstacles were identified, such as the lack of information, the lack of an institutional framework and the inability of the state to promote such structures.tatistical methods.

Conclusions: Although the study data refer to the period of 2010, they constitute a useful reference point for assessing the progress of the last fifteen years. A comparison with the current situation highlights significant progress, but also ongoing challenges. The need for the development of hostels remains timeless, highlighting the necessity for updated research.

Keywords: palliative care, hospices, citizen attitude, quality of life, Greece