Publication
One-week multidisciplinary post-graduate palliative care training: an outcome-based program evaluation
Journal Paper/Review - Aug 18, 2020
Paal Piret, Brandstötter Cornelia, Bükki Johannes, Elsner Frank, Ersteniuk Anna, Jentschke Elisabeth, Stähli Andreas, Slugotska Iryna
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
BACKGROUND
A multi-professional, post-graduate, one-week palliative care training program was piloted in November 2019 at the University of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine. A formal evaluation of this program was performed.
METHODS
This is a comparative, retrospective outcome-based evaluation of an educational intervention. Participants completed evaluation forms at the end of the course (post-intervention = T1), covering demographics, comparative retrospective self-assessment (40 items, 6-point Likert scale), organizational aspects, and general feedback (free text). At T1, the responses represent actual self-assessment, pre-interventional (T0) scores were generated by retrospective self-assessment. The Retrospective Performance Gain (RPG) was calculated on group level for the comparative self-assessment, demographic and organizational variables were analyzed by descriptive statistics, and free text answers were processed by qualitative methodology (content analysis).
RESULTS
Fifty-three of 56 attendants from all professions relevant to palliative care completed the evaluation forms (response 94,6%), with mean age 39y (22-64) and mean working experience 13,6y (1-44). Overall ratings of the program were very positive. Comparative retrospective self-assessment demonstrated a marked RPG from T0 to T1 on all items. Free text comments emphasized the need for regular nation-wide educational programs and for further education in bereavement care; inter-professional practice; communication; palliative care philosophy; professional self-care; specific nursing skills; dementia care; and advocacy, while the general contribution of the program to palliative care development in Ukraine was acknowledged.
CONCLUSIONS
Systematic evaluation of a post-graduate international training program in palliative care may provide a mutual learning experience and map country-specific barriers and facilitators that have to be addressed when setting up palliative care services.