Knowledge and awareness of undergraduate medical students regarding palliative care in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge and awareness of undergraduate medical students in Pakistan regarding palliative care. The study will evaluate their understanding of palliative care, their comfort in discussing it, and whether they plan to incorporate it into their future practice. Study Design: This cross-sectional online survey was circulated among undergraduate medical students across Pakistan. Results: The mean PaCKS score was 9.699 out of 13, with a standard deviation of 2.76. Prior knowledge of palliative care significantly improved the PaCKS score. Factors associated with higher prior familiarity included attending private institutions and having a higher mean monthly family income. Conclusion: Recognizing palliative care as a fundamental human right highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be proficient in its principles. Despite sociopolitical challenges in Pakistan, enhancing education for future physicians can improve awareness and access to palliative care. Given the increasing disease burden and benefits of early palliative care integration, incorporating it into undergraduate and postgraduate medical education is crucial. This ensures that healthcare providers have the necessary knowledge and skills from the outset. Collaborating with palliative care professionals in Pakistan can help contextualize the curriculum and ensure practical application, preparing future practitioners to deliver comprehensive care that meets global standards. Effective educational policies can significantly improve patient outcomes and advance palliative care access in Pakistan.