• S Q Abbas, S R Muhammad, S M Mubeen, and S Z Abbas.
• St. Clare Hospice, Hastingwood, United Kingdom.
• J Pak Med Assoc. 2004 Apr 1; 54 (4): 195-9.

ObjectiveTo establish the awareness of palliative medicine in Pakistani doctors through a questionnaire.MethodsA questionnaire was developed after consultation with the professionals working in palliative medicine. It was distributed, by hand, to a convenience sample of doctors who worked at various teaching hospitals in Pakistan. The distribution and collection of questionnaires was carried out within six months.ResultsThe results suggested that 74% doctors felt that cancer was the commonest reason for the palliative care teams to be involved. Forty five percent mentioned tht pain control was their prime job; 54% said that they had some experience of palliative medicine; 64% wanted to be involved in palliative medicine; 60% thought that they broke bad news properly to the patients; 59% were satisfied with their own performance while dealing with an incurable patient (57% said that they had heard about a hospice). There was a wide range of drugs for the cancer pain.ConclusionAmongst Pakistani doctors, there is a lack of training in palliative medicine. A significant number of doctors are interested and they are willing to have more training in pain control, breaking bad news, communication skills and terminal care.

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