Abstract
Unlocking transformation: the need for expanded communication training in palliative care contexts
Patient education and counseling, Vol.137(Suppl 1), 108867
08/2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2025.108867
Abstract
Background: Effective communication is central in initiation and implementing Palliative and End of Life Care (P&EOLC) services for patients and families. Research has consistently demonstrated that P&EOLC conversations can be difficult and often occur far later and less effectively than could be beneficial to facilitate care for patients at the end of life. Addressing these variances in care delivery is particularly challenging when clinicians are spread across an expansive geographical area in diverse practice settings.
Methods: To address these challenges in New South Wales, Australia, a District Wide Nurse Educator position was established to enhance the capacity and capability of multidisciplinary clinicians and teams providing P&EOLC. A district wide adaptable mixed model approach was formed, including the extensive use of virtual platforms, building a community of practice and various other modes of education delivery and communication. Needs assessments identified a strong demand for P&EOLC communication training. In 2024, specific communication workshops were launched for district clinicians.
Findings: Over 100 clinicians including registered nurses, physicians, allied health and community health workers participated in interactive workshops focused on P&EOLC communication. Evaluation of these workshops identified tangible communication skills clinicians planned to integrate into their clinical practice. Participant evaluations of format and content of the sessions were positive, as was creating opportunities for networking with colleagues, many of whom feel isolated in their clinical practice. Several participants requested additional and longer sessions focused on P&EOLC communication.
Discussion: This pilot project highlighted potentially overlooked importance of communication as a focus of P&EOLC educational initiatives. In particular, many non-physicians working with patients and families at the end of life may have received little communication training and desire more. Future endeavours will explore innovative ways to expand communication training to reach broad audiences spread across an extensive geographical region.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Unlocking transformation: the need for expanded communication training in palliative care contexts
- Creators
- E. McNamara - Hunter New England Local Health DistrictJ. Lacey - Hunter New England Local Health DistrictM. Rosenbaum - University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Faculty Development Consultant, Office of Consultation and Research in Medical Education, Iowa, United States
- Resource Type
- Abstract
- Publication Details
- Patient education and counseling, Vol.137(Suppl 1), 108867
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.pec.2025.108867
- ISSN
- 0738-3991
- eISSN
- 1873-5134
- Publisher
- Elsevier B.V
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/2025
- Academic Unit
- Family and Community Medicine; Office of Consultation and Research in Medical Education
- Record Identifier
- 9984927217002771
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