Related Experiment Videos
Palliative education: a didactic and experiential approach to teaching end-of-life care
J F Linder1, J Blais, S R Enders
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento 95817, USA. john.linder@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
Background:
The training in palliative care that health professionals receive is inadequate. An aging population, changing systems of health care delivery, and the debate about euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide increase the importance of ongoing education about palliative care.
Methods:
Three modules are offered by the University of California, Davis, West Coast Center for Palliative Education (WCCPE). Module 1, offered on-site, blends didactic and field learning using lectures, case studies, patient contact, and role modeling. Module 2 programs, held off-site, are customized in collaboration with the sponsor to address local needs and concerns. This module emphasizes group discussion and problem solving. Module 3 trains health care and custody staff and volunteer inmates at correctional facilities. Inmate training focuses on developing communication skills and a capacity to empathize through experiential exercises, dialog, and role-playing.
Results:
Off-site training significantly improved self-assessed knowledge about pain management and attitudes towards end-of-life care. Qualitative measures showed enhanced care-delivery skills for participants in all three modules.
Conclusions:
Palliative care education can be enhanced when delivered close to the point of care using multimodal techniques that influence attitudes as well as knowledge.