Gastrointestinal endoscopy in a low budget context: delegating EGD to non-physician clinicians in Malawi can be feasible and safe

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is rarely performed in low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa. One reason is the lack of available medical doctors and specialists in these countries. At Zomba Central Hospital in Malawi, clinical officers (non-physician clinicians with 4 years of formal training) were trained in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Prospectively recorded details of 1732 consecutive esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) performed between September 2001 and August 2010 were analyzed to evaluate whether upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can be performed safely and accurately by clinical officers. A total of 1059 (61.1%) EGDs were performed by clinical officers alone and 673 (38.9%) were carried out with a medical doctor present who performed or assisted in the procedure. Failure and complication rates were similar in both groups (P=0.105). Endoscopic diagnoses for frequent indications were generally evenly distributed across the two groups. The main difference was a higher proportion of normal findings and a lower proportion of esophagitis in the group with a doctor present, although this was significant only in patients who had presented with epigastric/abdominal pain (P<0.001). In conclusion, delegating upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to clinical officers can be feasible and safe in a setting with a shortage of medical doctors when adequate training and supervision are provided.     

Sedation for diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a survey of the Francophone Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition Group

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: A survey of sedation usage in children undergoing diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was undertaken among the members of the Francophone Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition Group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire regarding the mode of sedation used for noninterventional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, relative to the patient's age and clinical condition, was sent to all members of the Group. The sample included 51 pediatric endoscopy centers (33 university hospitals, eight general hospitals, and 10 private practices). RESULTS: The response rate was 84 % (43 of 51) overall, and 100 % for university hospitals. Forty percent of the pediatric endoscopy centers routinely offered children and/or parents a choice between general anesthesia and conscious sedation. Only 14 % of the pediatric endoscopists surveyed routinely conducted upper gastrointestinal endoscopy under general anesthesia, irrespective of the patient's age or the indication for endoscopy. Patients under the age of 6 months underwent endoscopy as follows: 35 % under conscious sedation, 22 % under general anesthesia, and 43 % with no sedation. After the age of 6 months, endoscopy was conducted as follows: 45 % under conscious sedation, 47 % under general anesthesia, and 8 % with no sedation. Midazolam was the most common drug used for conscious sedation. In patients aged 3 - 5, inhaled nitrous oxide was used instead of midazolam for conscious sedation in 12 % of pediatric endoscopies, and local anesthesia with lidocaine (Xylocaine) in 24 %. In those over the age of 5, the proportions of centers using inhaled nitrous oxide and lidocaine increased to 19 % and 42 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results clearly show that the mode of sedation used in noninterventional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in the pediatric age group is highly variable.     

医护合作型责任制护理模式的实践及效果

目的：探讨医护合作型责任制护理模式在深化优质护理服务活动中的实施效果。方法：在深入开展优质护理服务活动中,实施医护合作型责任制护理模式,采用自行设计的调查表,对病人满意度、医生满意度和护士满意度进行问卷调查,同时采集护理质量检查结果和护理服务质量相关数据,与实施医护合作型责任制护理模式前的调查结果进行比较。结果：实施医护合作型责任制护理模式后,病人对护理工作满意度、医生对护理工作满意度均明显提高,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。护士对自身工作满意度也有所提高,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。特级护理和一级护理质量、基础护理质量、病区管理质量明显提高,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。最满意护士的人次数、病人感谢信中点名表扬护士的人次数明显增多。结论：实施医护合作型责任制护理模式,能有效地密切医、护、患关系,充分发挥高级责任护士的作用,促进初级责任护士的成长,提高工作效率和护理质量,达到“病人满意、医生满意、护士满意”的目标。     

山西省某三级甲等医院临床医护合作存在问题的现状调查

目的探讨临床医护合作关键结合点及存在的问题，为改善医护合作，实现医护无缝隙合作提供依据。方法通过开放性问卷调查，找出医护合作内容及其存在的问题，编制医护合作存在问题调查问卷（医生卷、护士卷）。选取山西省某三级甲等医院的247名护士、211名医生进行问卷调查，以分析医护合作点间关系及存在问题的原因。结果8个医护合作内容得分率分别为护士卷30．35％-84．50％，医生卷31．30％-84．30％；护士卷与医生卷得分率最高的维度均为医师操作维度，分别为84．50％，84．30％；护士卷与医生卷得分最高的5个条目中病区管理条目均占40％；82．94％（得分≥3）的医生认为低年资护士的合作能力较差。结论医师操作时护士合作薄弱；病区管理维度问题最多；医嘱处理及执行的问题最棘手；低年资护士缺乏规范化培训和胜任力评价；建议制定合理流程和职责以改善医护合作。     

Squamous cell papilloma of the esophagus. Report on 35 endoscopic cases

We herein report our experience of 35 cases of esophageal squamous cell papilloma (ESP), diagnosed among 8,095 consecutive upper gastrointestinal endoscopies, and histologically confirmed. The incidence (0.45%) was higher than previously reported. Macroscopically, ESP presented with several distinctive features, thus endoscopy permitted great diagnostic accuracy. Most of the papillomas were located in the middle-third of the esophagus, and no significant association with hiatal hernia and reflux esophagitis was seen. The lesion did not recur after removal either by forceps or by diathermic snare.     

Complications of endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract: a single-center experience

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prospectively the complications that occurred during consecutive endoscopies of the upper gastrointestinal tract. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated all endoscopies of the upper gastrointestinal tract (except endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endosonography) performed at the Ambulatory Surgical Center at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla, between January 1999 and June 2002. A staff gastroenterologist with or without a trainee performed these procedures. Therapeutic procedures included esophageal band ligation, injection sclerotherapy, botulinum toxin injection, extended upper endoscopy, pneumatic balloon dilation, endoscopic mucosal resection, and endoscopic ablation using thermal laser, argon beam coagulator, or photodynamic therapy. All complications were tabulated prospectively as per mandatory state licensure reporting. RESULTS: Complications after diagnostic endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract were related to anesthesia in 2 of the 12,841 patients. Perforations in 5 patients were associated with esophageal dilation (2), resection of duodenal lesions (2), or passage of a side-viewing instrument into the duodenum (1). No deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract is safe, with a complication rate of less than 1 per 5000 cases. Therapeutic endoscopy increases the risk of complications. Compared with complication rates published previously, our results from a single center indicate a favorable reduction in complications related to endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract.     

磁性护理管理在提高手术室医护满意度中的效果观察

目的 探讨在手术室引入磁性护理管理理念以提高手术室医护满意度的实践效果。方法 在手术室引入磁性护理管理理念,包括建立多渠道共享治理,合理配置和使用人力资源,优化薪酬结构,支持职业发展及建立支持性人文环境。通过问卷调查管理前后护士工作满意度、护士自我效能感、医师对手术室护理满意度并进行比较。结果 实施磁性护理管理后,护士的工作满意度及自我效能得分高于管理前,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）,医师对手术室护理满意度高于管理前,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论 磁性护理管理应用于手术室可提高手术室护士的工作满意度和自我效能感,提高医师对手术室环境和护理质量的满意度。     

An overview of patients' preference for, and satisfaction with, care provided by general practitioners and nurse practitioners

Aim and objectives. To assess patients’ views on the care provided by nurse practitioners compared with that provided by general practitioners and to determine factors influencing these views. Background. Many countries have sought to shift aspects of primary care provision from doctors to nurses. It is unclear how patients view these skill mix changes. Design. Cross‐sectional survey. Method. Patients (n = 235) who received care from both nurse and doctor were sent a self‐administered questionnaire. The main outcome measures were patient preferences, satisfaction with the nurses and doctors and factors influencing patients’ preference and satisfaction. Results. Patients preferred the doctor for medical aspects of care, whereas for educational and routine aspects of care half of the patients preferred the nurse or had no preference for either the nurse or doctor. Patients were generally very satisfied with both nurse and doctor. Patients were significantly more satisfied with the nurse for those aspects of care related to the support provided to patients and families and to the time made available to patients. However, variations in preference and satisfaction were mostly attributable to variation in individual patient characteristics, not doctor, nurse or practice characteristics. Conclusion. Patient preference for nurse or doctor and patient satisfaction both vary with the type of care required and reflect usual work demarcations between nurses and doctors. In general, patients are very satisfied with the care they receive. Relevance to clinical practice. In many countries, different aspects of primary care provision have shifted from doctors to nurses. Our study suggests that these skill mix changes meet the needs of patients and that patients are very satisfied with the care they receive. However, to implement skill mix change in general practice it is important to consider usual work demarcations between nurses and doctors.     

Panoramic ECG display versus conventional ECG: ischaemia detection by critical care nurses

Aim: To compare accuracy and certainty of diagnosis of cardiac ischaemia using the Panoramic ECG display tool plus conventional 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) versus 12-lead ECG alone by UK critical care nurses who were members of the British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN). Background: Critically ill patients are prone to myocardial ischaemia. Symptoms may be masked by sedation or analgesia, and ECG changes may be the only sign. Critical care nurses have an essential role in detecting ECG changes promptly. Despite this, critical care nurses may lack expertise in interpreting ECGs and myocardial ischaemia often goes undetected by critical care staff. Method: British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN) members were invited to complete an online survey to evaluate the analysis of two sets of eight ECGs displayed alone and with the new display device. Results: Data from 82 participants showed diagnostic accuracy improved from 67·1% reading ECG traces alone, to 96·0% reading ECG plus Panoramic ECG display tool (P < 0·01, significance level α = 0·05). Participants' diagnostic certainty score rose from 41·7% reading ECG alone to 66·8% reading ECG plus Panoramic ECG display tool (P < 0·01, α = 0·05). Conclusion: The Panoramic ECG display tool improves both accuracy and certainty of detecting ST segment changes among critical care nurses, when compared to conventional 12-lead ECG alone. This benefit was greatest with early ischaemic changes. Critical care nurses who are least confident in reading conventional ECGs benefit the most from the new display. Relevance to clinical practice: Critical care nurses have an essential role in the monitoring of critically ill patients. However, nurses do not always have the expertise to detect subtle ischaemic ECG changes promptly. Introduction of the Panoramic ECG display tool into clinical practice could lead to patients receiving treatment for myocardial ischaemia sooner with the potential for reduction in morbidity and mortality.     

Effect of a multidisciplinary intervention on communication and collaboration among physicians and nurses.

BACKGROUND: Improving communication and collaboration among doctors and nurses can improve satisfaction among participants and improve patients' satisfaction and quality of care. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a multidisciplinary intervention on communication and collaboration among doctors and nurses on an acute inpatient medical unit. METHODS: During a 2-year period, an intervention unit was created that differed from the control unit by the addition of a nurse practitioner to each inpatient medical team, the appointment of a hospitalist medical director, and the institution of daily multidisciplinary rounds. Surveys about communication and collaboration were administered to personnel in both units. Physicians were surveyed at the completion of each rotation on the unit; nurses, biannually. RESULTS: Response rates for house staff (n = 111), attending physicians (n = 45), and nurses (n = 123) were 58%, 69%, and 91%, respectively. Physicians in the intervention group reported greater collaboration with nurses than did physicians in the control group (P < .001); the largest effect was among the residents. Physicians in the intervention group reported better collaboration with the nurse practitioners than with the staff nurses (P < .001). Physicians in the intervention group also reported better communication with fellow physicians than did physicians in the control group (P = .006). Nurses in both groups reported similar levels of communication (P = .59) and collaboration (P = .47) with physicians. Nurses in the intervention group reported better communication with nurse practitioners than with physicians (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The multidisciplinary intervention resulted in better communication and collaboration among the participants.     

智能物资柜的研发和应用

目的心血管术后ICU (cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit,CSICU)护士参与研发和使用智能物资柜,提升CSICU物资管理水平,实现物资管理的信息化、标准化和流程化。方法基于CSICU物资管理需求,借鉴智能药柜和高值类耗材的管理方法研发智能物资柜。将CSICU常用物资按来源分为高值耗材类、无菌包类和其他类分别粘贴条码,根据医生与护士的治疗操作行为,实行"医嘱组套"式管理模式,将医嘱与执行医嘱需使用的所有物资绑定,制订智能物资柜护理使用流程,并于2019年1月在该院CSICU使用,评价其使用效果。结果护士取用高值耗材类、无菌包类、急救物资和其他类物资所用时间均缩短(P<0.001),准确性均提升(P<0.05);护士对物资取用准确性、便捷性、计费准确性和总体满意度均提升(P<0.05)。结论智能物资柜的研发和使用,优化了临床护士的物资取用流程,提升了护士工作效率,提高了护理质量,实现了从物资入柜、使用、计费的全流程信息化管理。     

Efficacy and safety of nurse-administered propofol sedation during emergency upper endoscopy for gastrointestinal bleeding: a prospective study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Recent studies have documented the safety of propofol sedation for endoscopic procedures, but many endoscopists are reluctant to use propofol for high-risk patients because of adverse effects. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of nurse-administered propofol sedation during emergency upper endoscopy for patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a period of 18 months, 120 patients suffering from acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding received propofol sedation administered by a registered nurse. Among these, 15 patients were classified into American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class IV, 84 were ASA class III, and 21 were ASA class II. Patients without gastrointestinal bleeding, who also received propofol during the same period and were matched for age, gender, and ASA class, served as controls. RESULTS: Endoscopic hemostasis was achieved in 98.3 % of patients, and 97.5 % were satisfied with the procedure. In patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, the rates of hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg) and hypoxemia (peripheral oxygen saturation < 90 %) were 8.3 % and 6.7 % respectively, values higher than those in the control group. However, neither mask ventilation nor endotracheal intubation was necessary. Although two patients with gastrointestinal bleeding developed pneumonia, most likely due to aspiration during the procedure, they recovered within 5 days of treatment. There were no sedation-associated severe complications or mortalities. CONCLUSION: Using a strict protocol designed to protect the patient's airway and cardiovascular function, nurse-administered propofol sedation during emergency upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is safe and appropriate in cases of acute gastrointestinal bleeding.     

救灾医护人员对灾害护理学认知的调查分析

目的了解救灾医护人员对灾害护理学的认知水平。方法自设问卷调查118名参加抗震救灾工作的医护人员,采用Likert 4点评分法,对医生组和护士组进行比较。结果医生组与护士组在认知整体情况及内容方面有统计学差异（P〈0．01）,各级职称人员对灾害护理学认知情况存在统计学差异（P〈0．01）。结论灾害护理学是护理学科的重要分支,在灾害救治工作中有重要地位与作用,需要进一步加强认知建设。     

88例膀胱灌注患者相关知识掌握状况的调查

目的探讨膀胱灌注患者对相关知识掌握的影响因素,提出健康教育的改进措施,供临床护士参考。方法应用自行设计的调查表,于患者出院后第1周回医院行膀胱灌注时,以问答方式对88例患者进行问卷调查,了解患者对膀胱灌注相关知识的掌握状况及影响因素。结果患者对膀胱灌注相关知识掌握率为70.4%,不同年龄、文化程度患者对膀胱灌注相关知识的掌握率有显著性差异(P<0.01),不同人员进行健康教育的患者对膀胱灌注相关知识掌握率有显著性差异(P<0.05),医生组与护士组单独进行健康教育的患者对膀胱灌注相关知识掌握率分别为60%和61.9%,2者比较无显著性差异(P>0.05),医护合作进行健康教育效果最好,掌握达92.3%,医护合作组分别与医生组和护士组比较有显著性差异(P<0.01)。结论膀胱灌注相关知识教育应因人施教,医护合作施教,合理安排时间施教。     

Alcohol-history taking by nurses and doctors — how accurate are they really?

The aim of this study was to look at how nurses and doctors record alcohol histories on the patients under their care and the frequency and appropriateness of the way they use an alcohol withdrawal scale in the acute hospital setting. To achieve these aims patient records were audited and compared at two points in time, in 1992 and 1994. Results of the study showed that nurses and doctors took alcohol histories from patients on approximately three-quarters of occasions and that this level of recording has not changed over time. The adequacy of alcohol-history taking has, however, increased for both nurses and doctors since 1992. At that time, 71% of the alcohol histories taken by nurses and 74% of alcohol histories taken by doctors were judged to be adequate. By 1994, however, 79% of alcohol histories taken by nurses and 77% of histories by doctors were rated as adequate. The increase in the adequacy of history taking by nurses was significant ( x ²= 5. 05; d.f. = 1; P <0.05) and the increase by doctors was not significant ( x ²= 1.03; d.f. = 1; P > 0.05). These results are seen as being positively associated with the major governmental nursing initiative in New South Wales, Australia, the New South Wales Strategic Plan for the Nursing Management of Alcohol and Other Drugs.     

Adequacy of support for new graduates during their transition into the workplace: a Queensland, Australia study

In 2001, a study into issues of concern to assistant-in-nursing, registered and enrolled nurse members of the Queensland Nurses Union was undertaken. Approximately equal numbers of nurses from each of the aged care, acute private and acute public sectors were surveyed. Overall, 1477 nurses responded, representing a response rate of 53%. This article focuses on one aspect of the study-the perceived adequacy of support offered to new nursing graduates as they exit university and begin their transition into the workplace. In particular, responses from nurses are compared with professional level or current role designation, age, time spent in the workplace and health sector. Considerable divergence of opinion among the respondents, particularly across designation, age and years of experience, was found within the three sectors. For example, in the public and private employment sectors, older and more experienced nurses were more likely to perceive the support for new nurses as adequate compared to younger and less experienced nurses. Additionally, in the acute private sector, the more senior the nurse the more likely the perception that there was adequate preparation for new graduates entering the workforce.     

Changing patterns of sedation and monitoring practice during endoscopy: results of a nationwide survey in Switzerland

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Little is known about how practices in sedation and in monitoring during gastrointestinal endoscopy and the complication rates of sedation have changed over time. The aim of this nationwide survey was to assess the present practice among Swiss gastroenterologists, with a particular focus on the use of propofol, and to compare the results with similar data obtained in 1990. PATIENTS AND METHODS: At the end of 2003 a questionnaire (similar to the one used in 1990) was sent to all 249 Swiss gastroenterologists. The response rate was 72.3 %. Data from 179 953 endoscopies performed during the previous 12 months were analyzed for the study. RESULTS: In 2003 sedation was used in 78 % of esophagogastroduodenoscopies and colonoscopies (compared with 60 % in 1990), with midazolam being the most commonly used medication. The drugs were mostly administered by the endoscopy nurse, via an intravenous cannula. Oximetry monitoring was used in more than 95 % of examinations (compared with 2.5 % in 1990). The overall sedation-related morbidity was 0.18 % and the mortality rate was 0.0014 %. Of the 180 respondents, 77 (43 %) reported that they been using propofol regularly for a median time period of 23 months. The 62 respondents (34 %) who used propofol without the assistance of an anesthesiologist had performed a total of 82 620 procedures. The morbidity (defined as the need for bag-ventilation) in this group of patients was 0.19 % and no deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The use of sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopy has markedly increased over the last 13 years and the use of electronic monitoring has become standard practice. A significant percentage of Swiss gastroenterologists report that they use propofol, mainly in a hospital setting.     

Supportive care for patients with oesophageal and other upper gastrointestinal cancers: The role of a specialist nurse in the team

The care pathway of patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers is complex. We retrospectively evaluated the patients' opinions of support and supportive care given by a specialist nurse who led the care of such patients. A study-specific questionnaire addressed the support given by the specialist nurse and other professionals in the team before, during and after treatment. Virtually all 73 responders considered the support of the specialist nurse important (87-94%). This support seemed more appreciated than that of outpatient clinic (P = 0.00) and surgical ward staff (P = 0.01) during the diagnostic phase, and during the follow-up it became more important than that of all other team professionals. A second study-specific questionnaire assessed the supportive care. Of 49 patients, 71-94% completely agreed that the supportive care given by the specialist nurse was satisfactory, and 90-100% considered it important. Whereas 10% had difficulty in understanding physicians' information, none had such problems regarding information given by the nurse (P = 0.09). Review of documented contacts between the specialist nurse and 75 patients with oesophago-gastric cancer revealed that contacts were frequent during follow-up, and nutritional problems predominated. Thus, specialist nurses can be recommended as leaders of the care pathway of patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers.     

胎儿心脏自动容积导航技术在胎儿超声心动图重要切面获取中观察者间及观察者内一致性的初步研究

目的探讨胎儿心脏自动容积导航技术（smart-planes fetal heart,S-planes FH）在胎儿超声心动图重要切面获取中观察者间及观察者内一致性。 方法选取2018年7月至9月在浙江大学医学院附属邵逸夫医院超声科接受胎儿超声心动图检查的正常中晚孕期单胎胎儿58例。由一位具有20年胎儿超声心动图检查经验的医师（医师A）采集胎儿心脏三维超声容积数据。3位不同经验医师（胎儿超声心动图专家即医师A、无胎儿心脏超声检查经验的医师B、从事胎儿超声心动图检查2年的医师C）在不同时间独立脱机分析处理S-planes FH技术导航后的图像,并对各切面显示的诊断要素进行评分。医师B间隔2周后对所有研究图像再次进行评分。分析3位医师所有诊断切面的显示成功率,并计算各个切面诊断要素评分值,对观察者间及观察者内一致性及差异进行统计分析。 结果58例正常胎儿共获取241个容积数据,医师A、B、C分别应用S-planes FH技术处理容积后,所有6个重要切面均成功显示的百分比为71.34%（172/241）、70.12%（169/241）、72.20%（174/241）。3位医师之间的成功率比较,医师B与C（P=0.649）、医师B与A（P=0.804）差异均无统计学意义。3位不同经验医师对6个重要切面的评分结果具有较好的一致性,ICC均>0.75。医师B对各重要切面评分结果与有经验的医师C和专家医师A对各切面的评分结果差异无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。医师B两次不同时间对各诊断要素的评分结果具有较好的一致性,ICC均>0.75。采用秩和检验比较医师B两次评分结果,差异无统计学差异（P>0.05）。 结论S-planes FH技术操作简单、快捷,便于初学者掌握,尤其对经验不足的医师而言,能够改善胎儿超声心动图重要切面获取中的操作者依赖性,观察者间及观察者内一致性良好。     

Attitudes of Danish doctors and nurses to palliative and terminal care

BACKGROUND: The WHO definitions of palliative care have been adopted in Denmark and implemented in The National Guidelines from 1999, but service developments have been very slow and not according to the recommendations. Attitudes to palliative care of Danish doctors and nurses may in part account for this. OBJECTIVE: To assess the attitudes to issues related to palliative care of doctors and nurses in a Danish county hospital and the related primary care services. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey using a mailed, self-administered questionnaire answered anonymously. PARTICIPANTS: Nurses and doctors employed in a county hospital in Denmark, homecare nurses and general practitioners from the related primary care services. OUTCOME MEASURES: The responses from the groups were compared by chi2 statistics (where ordinal variables with chi2 for trend). Data were analysed using SPSS 10.0. RESULTS: 347 responded, response rate 76%. Eighty-one per cent of all respondents were currently caring for terminally ill patient(s), 94% had done so within the last six months. Hospital doctors see more terminally ill patients than GPs (P = 0.002). Comparison of doctors (both hospital and GPs) with nurses showed that nurses were more likely to definitely agree that palliative/terminal care was a rewarding part of their work (61% 'definitely agree' versus 30%), and they were less likely to prefer to leave care of these patients to others (4% 'definitely/probably agree' versus 9%). Nurses reflected more on existential matters (80% 'definitely/probably agree' versus 63%) and were more likely to agree that dealing with a dying patient made them aware of their own feelings regarding death (97% 'definitely/probably agree' versus 80%). Only 7% of all respondents reported 'being an active member of a religious community'. Ninety-two per cent of all respondents agreed that doctors play a key role in reducing the suffering of dying patients, but 59% of nurses versus 9% of doctors 'definitely/probably agree' that 'it is primarily the task of nurses to deal with patients reactions to death'. There were significant differences between hospital doctors and GPs, with the former less likely to agree that palliative and terminal illness is rewarding, more likely to leave care of dying patients to others, and more likely to 'probably' or 'definitely agree' that it is more satisfying to work with patients who will improve. Home care nurses reflected more on existential matters than their hospital colleagues, and were more likely to 'definitely agree' that palliative/terminal care is rewarding. Differences between groups seemed to be due to profession (doctor versus nurse) and setting (hospital versus community) rather than age or gender. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that in Denmark nurses demonstrate more positive attitudes to the care of palliative/terminally ill patients than doctors, and that attitudes amongst doctors and nurses working in the community are more positive than those of the colleagues in hospitals. There is currently little education in the principles and practice of palliative care in Denmark. These findings will inform the development of appropriate palliative care education for doctors and nurses working both in the hospital and in the community in Denmark. They also raise the possibility that part of the inertia in the development of palliative care in Denmark is related to the lack of education and, in particular, to the need of support for doctors and nurses providing terminal care so they are enabled to be more reflective on the care they currently provide. There is evidence that education in palliative care can change health professionals' attitudes to palliative and terminal care, and this now needs to be investigated in Denmark.