National palliative care education and training needs analysis

This purpose of this research study was to conduct a needs analysis for the education and training of palliative care providers. The research methodology was a descriptive survey of the education and training needs of palliative care providers. A total of 1848 questionnaires was distributed to the palliative care providers throughout Australia and a return rate of 34 per cent (627) was attained. The responses from Australia metropolitan areas totalled 51.7 per cent and those from Australian rural and remote areas totalled 48.3 per cent (302). The results showed that the specific education and training needs, as identified by the palliative care providers, included pain management, loss and grief, drug therapies, education updates and other needs. Deficiencies of current education and training programs in palliative care included cost as most postgraduate courses are not HECs funded but are offered as full fee-paying courses. Travel and distance were reported as the most prohibitive aspect to attending a palliative care course. The content in existing palliative care programs predominantly focused on providing care in a palliative care unit or a respite setting. More emphasis needs to be placed on caring for patients in their home; a shift from death in the hospital to death in the home.