End-of-Life care education and empowerment
An article written by Associate Professor Kim Devery, Project Lead, and Megan Winsall, Project Officer, End-of-Life Essentials project
In the realm of healthcare, the end of life is a critical and profoundly impactful phase that demands utmost care and attention. The responsibility of healthcare professionals extends beyond medical interventions; it encompasses the holistic well-being of patients and their families during this sensitive period. However, providing effective end-of-life care, especially in paediatric settings, presents unique challenges that necessitate specialised knowledge and skills.
In the End-of-Life Essentials project we recognise the significance of equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary tools and resources to navigate the complexities of end-of-life care. We have endeavoured to create a comprehensive platform offering evidence-based education and resources tailored to address the diverse needs of healthcare practitioners.
Aligned with the safety and quality standards set by The Australian Commission of Quality and Safety in Health Care, our focus is squarely on enhancing end-of-life care across various healthcare settings. We understand that healthcare professionals, often working in specialised fields such as critical care or paediatrics, may encounter end of life scenarios despite not being palliative care specialists. Hence, our aim is to bridge the gap by providing accessible and practical education that empowers professionals to deliver compassionate and effective end-of-life care.
Central to our approach is understanding the perspectives and experiences of learners. Through continual feedback and evaluation, we strive to tailor our resources to address the specific challenges and learning needs identified by healthcare professionals.
Our recent study, evaluating the impact of the End-of-Life Essentials paediatric module, exemplifies our commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous improvement. [1]
Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, our study yielded valuable insights into the perceived knowledge, skills, attitudes, and confidence of learners before and after engaging with the module. The aim of this study was to evaluate the End-of-Life Essentials paediatrics module and explore the views of the learners on the challenges they've faced when caring for a dying child and their family. The results are twofold. First, we demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in knowledge, skills, attitude, and confidence towards providing end-of-life care to paediatric patients, affirming the effectiveness of our educational interventions.
Moreover, the qualitative component of the study unearthed poignant themes related to the challenges faced by healthcare professionals when engaging with dying children and supporting their families. From managing personal emotions to navigating complex communication scenarios, the study shed light on the multifaceted nature of end-of-life care and the need for comprehensive support mechanisms. The doctors, nurses and allied health professionals who responded to our study were clear and honest about the challenges they faced when delivering safe and high-quality care in an environment of high emotions that demands impeccable communication.
Our aim is to support these health professionals through freely available education. Crucially, our resources are not static entities but dynamic tools that undergo continuous review and refinement to ensure relevance and efficacy. By embracing an ethos of openness and accessibility, we have made our educational materials freely available, thereby democratising access to vital information and fostering a culture of shared learning and collaboration.
Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing end-of-life care practice and education. By leveraging technology and harnessing the collective expertise of healthcare professionals, we aim to empower individuals and organisations to deliver compassionate, dignified, and person-centered care to those nearing the end of life.
Enhancing end-of-life care is a collective endeavour that demands ongoing dedication, collaboration, and innovation. Through initiatives like the End-of-Life Essentials project, we aim to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to navigate this profoundly meaningful aspect of their practice. Towards a future where every clinician has capacity to deliver great care and individuals receive care and dignity required at the end of life.
Learn more in the End-of-Life Essentials training modules.
The study and the podcast are available on the End-of-Life Essentials website.
Authors
Associate Professor Kim Devery
Project Lead
End-of-Life Essentials Project
Megan Winsall
Project Officer
End-of-Life Essentials Project
References
- Rawlings D, Winsall M, Yin H, Devery K. "Holding back my own emotions": Evaluation of an online education module in pediatric end-of-life care. J Child Health Care. 2022 Apr 5:13674935221076214.