Knowledge of and Attitudes Towards End-of-Life Doulas Among Gynecologic Oncologists

Abstract

Objective

End-of-life doulas (EOLDs) offer non-medical support to patients and families, yet little is known regarding how knowledgeable and receptive gynecologic oncologists are to EOLDs.

Methods

Members of the New England Association of Gynecologic Oncologists (NEAGO) were surveyed regarding demographics and familiarity with and attitudes towards EOLDs. Descriptive statistics described demographics. Chi-square testing and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were used for comparative analysis.

Results

Thirty-nine of 85 NEAGO members completed the survey (response rate 46%). Most were physician gynecologic oncologists (95%) who practiced in academic settings (79%) and participated in end-of-life care (92%). Thirty-nine percent had heard of an EOLD. One clinician had a patient or family request EOLD services, but no one had personally worked with an EOLD. No one was familiar with the cost of EOLDs. After reading information regarding EOLDs, most agreed that EOLDs could be a valuable component of end-of-life care (87%) and they should be accessible and affordable to patients (85%). A majority reported they would be likely to recommend an EOLD to patients during the dying period (62%). A positive correlation was found between those who perceived EOLDs as valuable and their likelihood to recommend EOLDs to patients (r_s = 0.6, P < 0.001). Younger clinicians and those with fewer years of practice were also more likely to recommend EOLDs to patients.

Conclusion

Knowledge of and experience with EOLDs is limited among surveyed gynecologic oncologists. After education on their roles, many clinicians see value in their services and would recommend EOLDs to their patients.