Perceptions of Healthcare Providers about Palliative Care Need Among Patients Attending Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital, Rwanda

Abstract Background: Palliative care is designed to offer holistic assistance to individuals living with chronic or life-threatening conditions, with the goal of easing various forms of distress. The perspectives of healthcare professionals are pivotal in shaping and delivering appropriate palliative care, especially in mental health institutions. Objectives: This research sought to explore how healthcare professionals perceive the need for palliative care among patients treated at Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital in Rwanda. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was implemented at Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital, involving 112 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other allied personnel. Participants were chosen through a stratified random sampling technique across different professional roles. Data collection was accomplished using a structured, self-completed questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with findings summarized through descriptive statistics and presented in tabular format. Results: The study demonstrated a moderate to strong recognition of the necessity for palliative care (mean scores: 2.71–3.28), particularly for patients with dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and serious psychiatric illnesses like major depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. While healthcare providers displayed moderately favorable attitudes toward integrating palliative care into practice (mean scores: 2.93–3.57), a notable misunderstanding between palliative and hospice care was evident, with 65% to 100% viewing hospice as a place of hopelessness. Moreover, several institutional limitations were identified, such as absent policy frameworks (reported by nearly all respondents), inadequate communication systems, limited material resources, and financial constraints. Statistically significant correlations were found between the perceived need for palliative care and both the age (p = 0.001) and work experience (p = 0.001) of respondents. Conclusions: Findings reflect a widespread acknowledgement of the importance of palliative care within the neuropsychiatric context. However, major obstacles ranging from lack of institutional support and policy guidelines to resource shortages and misconceptions continue to hinder its effective integration. Addressing these barriers is critical to advancing quality palliative care for individuals with complex neuropsychiatric conditions. Keywords: Palliative Care, Health Personnel, Mental Health Services, Hospitals, Psychiatric, Rwanda