The knowledge and perception of the general public and young adults of Palliative Care - A systematic Review
Yann-Nicolas Batzler
Abstract
Background: As a result of demographic change, chronic and oncological diseases gain importance in the context of public health. Palliative care plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of life of those affected. International guidelines, however, demand access to palliative care not only for the elderly but also for younger people who face severe illnesses. It can be assumed that palliative care will become increasingly important for them. In order to develop public health strategies aiming at promoting palliative care, the knowledge and attitude towards palliative care of the general public and specific target groups need to be assessed. Up to this day, little is known about young adults’ knowledge and perceptions of palliative care.
Objectives and design: This work aims at assessing the general public and young adults’ (age 18-24) knowledge and perception of palliative care. We therefore conducted a systematic review.
Methods: Exclusion and inclusion criteria are developed using the PICOS progress. Literature is researched within Medline (via Pubmed), Google Scholar and Web of Science. A search string is developed and refined for all three databases. Grey literature is included. Duplicates are excluded using Mendeley. The literature is independently screened by two researchers. Narrative synthesis is used to answer the main research question.
Before start
This is the protocol for the conduction of a systematic review that aims at assessing the general population's as well as young adults' knowledge and perception of palliative care. In order to promote palliative care, a thorough assessment of these primary endpoints is crucial.
Attachments
Steps
Preparation
General screening of literature
Screening for suitable databases
Identify lack of knowledge
Development of main research question
Define target population's age group, esp. young adults
Name two reviewers that will screen independently
Identification of inclusion and exclusion criteria
Using PICOS process
Development of the search algorithm
Screen Medline for MeSH-Terms
Develop search string
Adapt search string for all databases
Literature search
Enter search string in each database
Import all literature into citation software (in this case: Mendeley)
Remove all duplicates
Screening of literature
Screen all literature of accessible language (English, German, Spanish)
Remove all literature that is not in the above mentioned languages
Screen all abstracts for inclusion and exclusion criteria
Eliminate all literature that does not fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria
Screen all remaining literature independently (reviewer 1 and 2)
Narrative synthesis
In a table, mark study type, regional origin, main findings and problems
Summarize obtained information
General population: Knowledge and perception of palliative care
Young adults: Knowledge and perception of palliative care
