Curriculum Research: Disseminating Neuropalliative Care Education Through an Adaptable Curriculum: A Multisite...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Palliative Care
• Medical Education

Background:

• Neurologic diseases are a major global cause of disability and death.
• The aging population is increasing the burden of neurologic diseases.
• Neurology trainees often lack formal palliative care education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Neurology (EPEC-N) curriculum.
• To improve neurology residents' satisfaction with palliative care training.
• To enhance residents' confidence in managing neuropalliative care topics.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of EPEC-N modules across three academic neurology centers.
• Selection of four EPEC-N topics per site.
• Varied instructor backgrounds (residents, fellows, faculty) without palliative care fellowship.
• Use of lectures, case discussions, and role-playing for teaching.
• Post-session surveys for learners, instructors, and site leads.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of the neuropalliative care curriculum across all three sites.
• Positive learner feedback, with sessions improving knowledge, relevance, and teaching format.
• Curriculum found easy to use and adaptable by instructors and site leads.
• No reliance on subspecialty palliative care instruction for implementation.

Conclusions:

• The EPEC-N curriculum is feasible, acceptable, and adaptable for neurology residency programs.
• The curriculum can be effectively delivered by non-palliative care specialists.
• Further research is needed to evaluate its impact on neuropalliative care skills and standards.