Using Normalization Process Theory to Evaluate an End-of-Life Pediatric Palliative Care Web-Based Training Program...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Palliative Care
• Pediatric Health

Background:

• Palliative care (PC) is emerging in Iraq, with limited training for healthcare professionals.
• A significant barrier to PC in Iraq is the lack of structured education and training programs.
• Nurses require specialized training to manage pediatric patients with life-limiting conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a web-based training course on pediatric palliative care (PPC) for nurses in Iraq.
• To assess the effectiveness of the Normalization Process Theory in embedding complex interventions into practice.
• To determine if nurses can provide improved PC for pediatric patients after completing the training.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, parallel, pragmatic trial involving 172 nurses across 5 healthcare settings in Babylon Province, Iraq.
• Nurses were randomized into an experimental group receiving a 2-week web-based PPC training and a control group receiving usual care.
• Effectiveness was assessed by comparing pre- and post-intervention outcomes at the nurse level, with a 3-month follow-up and progressive evaluation.

Main Results:

• Study recruitment began in July 2020, with initial outcomes available by December 2020.
• The study is ongoing, with data collection and analysis in progress.

Conclusions:

• The trial aims to enhance end-of-life pediatric palliative care delivery in Iraq through nurse training.
• Strengths include real-world practice settings, staff engagement, and randomized allocation.
• Potential challenges include participant dropout due to transfers.