An evaluation-based model for palliative care education: making a difference to practice

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Medical Education
• Healthcare Improvement

Background:

• Education is recognized as a key strategy for enhancing palliative care delivery to patients and their families.
• A multi-phase evaluation project was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of palliative care education.
• The study focused on education provided by a hospice education network in North West England.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of palliative care education.
• To identify fundamental requirements for effective palliative care education.
• To describe a model for palliative care education that meets stakeholder needs and improves clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A three-year study involving 46 students.
• Evaluation of a palliative care education program.
• Development and description of an educational model.

Main Results:

• Effective education must address changing and individual participant needs.
• Competent teaching in both theory and practice is essential.
• Enabling students to effect positive changes in practice is a key outcome.

Conclusions:

• A model for palliative care education is presented, incorporating essential requirements for effectiveness.
• The model is designed to meet stakeholder needs and demonstrate improvements in clinical practice.
• Implementation challenges within the context of clinical effectiveness, evidence-based practice, and value for money are discussed.