Perceived end-of-life educational needs by clinical trials nurses at a comprehensive cancer center

Determine palliative care end-of-life (EOL) educational needs among clinical trials nurses (CTNs) at an urban comprehensive cancer center.

The End-Of-Life Professional Caregiver Survey (EPCS) was used to determine the EOL educational needs of CTNs and collect demographics on years of experience, education, past EOL-specific training, and possession of their own advanced directive. The "Surprise Question" was also asked to explore the percent of patients on clinical trials who may be nearing EOL.

Twenty-nine CTNs completed the survey. Mean years of experience as an RN and CTN was 10.45 and 2.5, respectively. 79% and 17% held a bachelors or master's degree, respectively. Twenty-seven percent reported previous End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) or similar training and 20% stated they had their own advanced directive. Mean total score for the EPCS was 94.83, with subscale means of 42.41 for the Patient and Family Centered Communication (PFCC), 26.9 for Cultural and Ethical Values (CEV), and 25.52 for the Effective Care Delivery (ECD). Highest scoring items included confidence in communicating with colleagues about EOL care, being present with dying patients, and recognizing patients who are appropriate for hospice referral. Lowest scoring items included participating in code status discussions, resolving ethical issues and family conflicts at EOL, and addressing requests for assisted suicide. Responses to the Surprise Question indicated that 27.5% of the CTNs would not be surprised if half or more of their patients died within the next 12 months.

Many patients with cancer on clinical trials may be nearing EOL. CTNs perceive the need for education to increase confidence in handling difficult communication.