Table 2 Factors extracted from PPCEP-GR

Knowledge and skill of managing patients’ pain and symptoms

Q33: I have sufficient knowledge about the causes of frequent symptoms of patients in need of palliative care.

3.633

14.10%

Q31: I have sufficient knowledge of managing shortness of breath or respiratory distress in terminal illness.

Q32: I have sufficient skills to manage shortness of breath or respiratory distress in terminal illness.

Q34: I have sufficient ability to manage frequent symptoms of patients requiring palliative care.

Q30: I have sufficient pain management skills in terminal illness.

Q35: I have sufficient knowledge about the therapeutic effects and adverse effects of painkillers.

Communicating with patients and their families

Communicating with patients and their families

Q25: I discuss death with patients.

3.172

12.20%

Q21: Doctors/nurses have a duty to help patients prepare for death.

Q27: After the death of their patient, I discuss it with the family.

Q28: I answer the patient’s question, “How long will I live?“

Q23: I discuss with patients the possible symptoms of an incurable disease.

Q26: I discuss with the family the imminent death of their patient.

Q17: Upon the request of terminally ill patients, any medication necessary to relieve pain should be given, even if the medication will hasten the patient’s death.

Management of ethical and psychological issues in patients

Q5: I am prepared to manage ethical issues arising in the care of patients who are at the end of their life.

2.732

10.50%

Q3: I am ready to manage the emotional suffering of patients at the end of their life.

Q6: I am ready to help family members during mourning.

Q2: I am ready to give bad news to the patient about his illness.

Q12: I am prepared to answer the patient’s question “Will I suffer much or be in pain?“

Q9: I am ready to discuss the psychosocial needs and concerns of the patient/family.

Q4: I am ready to discuss with the patient about end-of-life care decisions (such as do-not-resuscitate orders).

Q10: I am ready to deal with cultural differences related to end-of-life care.

Management of patients’ exposure to grief and attitudes towards death

Q15: It is impossible to tell patients the truth about the prognosis of the disease and how much hope is left.

1.563

6.20%

Q19: Depression in patients with incurable diseases cannot be treated.

Q13: Few measures can be taken to reduce sadness.

Q18: Talking about death discourages terminally ill patients.

Q20: The doctor/nurse is responsible only for the patient. The needs of the family should be taken care of by other professionals.