1. Evaluation of the Foundations in End of Life/Palliative Care Distance Learning Module for Community Nurses
Presenter Christine Wheeler
Project Team Sally Anstey Mel Lewis Kay Jeynes Helen Way
Oct 2011

2. Aim
To demonstrate how successfully completing this distance learning module has had a measurable effect on the confidence of community nurses to use their increased knowledge in the principles and practice of palliative care

3. Background of module
Module developed to support strategic vision and policies ( NICE 2004,Tebbit 2005, DoH 2006)
Focus on education of generalist practitioners in palliative care
Degree level distance learning module over 26 weeks
Structured around a work and resource book
Taught and work-based learning complemented by e-learning facility programme
Supported by module lecturer and a clinical facilitator
Formative and Summative Assessments

4. Evaluation Approach Quantitative:
Self assessment questionnaire at the beginning and end of module
Focussed on confidence in ability in 9 specific areas of clinical practice related to palliative care
Confidence scores rated between 0-6
Qualitative:
Invited to add written comments for qualitative data in 9 areas
Scores and comments compared pre and post module

5. Nine Specific Areas
Recognising the palliative needs of patients and carers
Assessing and treating pain and other symptoms
Supporting the dying
Supporting the recently bereaved
Communication skills
Meeting psychosocial needs of patients and families
Seeking personal support
Providing support to team members in relation to palliative and end of life care
Working within a multi-disciplinary team

6. Overall Findings Quantitative
Scores show significant increase in confidence in all 9 areas
Qualitative
‘ The content of the course has been beneficial to me. It covers all aspects of palliative care and [is]very thorough. It has given me the confidence in dealing with terminally ill patients and their families’

7. ‘I feel this course has addressed all these needs and has allowed me to gain confidence in my ability’

8. ‘I feel more confident definitely in assessing patient’s symptoms and physical and psychological needs. I think I will look more ethically at things now’

9. ‘Have openly negotiated the use of the ICP with GPs and have the confidence in doing so in my daily practice. I will often discuss patients wishes and preferences’

10. Progress to date
Programme continues to support current global (WHO 2011) and national policies (WAG 2008, 2009)
Approx 100 community nurses have successfully completed course to date
Community programme continues
Reconfigured programme for 50 inpatient qualified nurses 2011/2012

11. The Future
Continue to evaluate programme for each cohort and across cohorts
Formal education updates for nurses who have already completed course and further evaluation of confidence and knowledge 1-2 years post module
Modification of module to be available to other Allied Health & Social Care Professionals
Extension to nursing and residential homes

12. ‘I feel that I have gained so much more confidence and knowledge in all aspects of terminal care. I thought I was doing well before, but learnt that I could do so much better with the knowledge gained from the course. I feel that this course is valuable for all nurses caring for the terminally ill and especially district nurses....Thanks again for making it enjoyable and providing a great learning environment’