Premium
Evaluation of a pediatric palliative care educational workshop for oncology fellows
Author(s) -
Baughcum Amy E.,
Gerhardt Cynthia A.,
YoungSaleme Tammi,
Stefanik Regina,
Klopfenstein Kathryn J.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.21034
Subject(s) - palliative care , medicine , feeling , competence (human resources) , pediatric oncology , nursing , hospice care , family medicine , medical education , psychology , cancer , social psychology
Background Recent efforts have focused on improving pediatric palliative care to relieve physical and psychological suffering throughout the course of illness, as well as to improve care at the end‐of‐life (EOL). One area of attention has been medical training, as healthcare providers have often reported feeling ill‐equipped to manage EOL issues. As a pilot study, we developed and evaluated a daylong educational workshop on pediatric palliative care for oncology fellows. Procedure Fellows (N = 32) from 20 hospitals participated in one of two workshops covering palliative care topics, such as pain/symptom management, communication, ethics, and bereavement. Training, knowledge, behavior, and attitudes regarding pediatric palliative care were assessed before the workshop, and knowledge was re‐assessed immediately afterwards. Results Fellows reported a general lack of training in EOL care, and only 41% rated their education as at least “somewhat” adequate. Colleagues and personal experience were more often sources on EOL care, rather than formal classes or textbooks. Although fellows reported open attitudes toward palliative care, such as involving adolescents in decision‐making, only half felt comfortable in the presence of a dying person. Fewer than half felt comfortable providing EOL care, managing families' expectations, or knowledgeable enough to discuss hospice with patients/families. Following the workshop, knowledge of palliative care increased significantly from 75 to 85% correct. Conclusions Fellows reported open beliefs about palliative care, but acknowledged weaknesses in their training and level of competence. The workshop showed efficacy in improving knowledge, but additional research is needed to evaluate larger educational initiatives and their long‐term impact on clinical services and family satisfaction. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:154–159. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.