1
|
Ekberg S, Bowers A, Bradford N, Ekberg K, Rolfe M, Elvidge N, Cook R, Roberts SJ, Howard C, Agar M, Deleuil R, Fleming S, Hynson J, Jolly A, Heywood M, Waring S, Rice T, Vickery A. Enhancing paediatric palliative care: A rapid review to inform continued development of care for children with life-limiting conditions. J Paediatr Child Health 2022; 58:232-237. [PMID: 34904760 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.15851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Following the establishment of paediatric palliative care services over recent decades, this study sought to identify information to inform future policy and practice. METHODS A rapid review using thematic synthesis was conducted to synthesise existing information about improving paediatric palliative care. Information was extracted in relation to key areas for investment and change: quality, access, advance care planning, skills, research, collaboration and community awareness. RESULTS A total of 2228 literature sources were screened, with 369 included. Synthesised information identified clear ways to improve quality of care, access to care, advance care planning, and research and data collection. The synthesis identified knowledge gaps in understanding how to improve skills in paediatric palliative care, collaboration across Australian jurisdictions and community awareness. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this review bring together information from a vast range of sources to provide action-oriented information to target investment and change in paediatric palliative care over the coming decades.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Ekberg
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alison Bowers
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Natalie Bradford
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katie Ekberg
- School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melanie Rolfe
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Norah Elvidge
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebecca Cook
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sara-Jane Roberts
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.,IMPACCT (Improving Palliative Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation) Centre, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine Howard
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Meera Agar
- IMPACCT (Improving Palliative Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation) Centre, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Renee Deleuil
- WA Paediatric Palliative Care Service, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sara Fleming
- Paediatric Palliative Care Service, Women's and Children's Health Network, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jenny Hynson
- Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ashka Jolly
- Paediatric Palliative Care Service, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Garran, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Melissa Heywood
- Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon Waring
- Palliative Care Australia, Griffith, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Toni Rice
- Palliative Care Australia, Griffith, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Annette Vickery
- Palliative Care Australia, Griffith, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Reigada C, Hermida-Romero S, Sandgren A, Gómez B, Olza I, Navas A, Centeno C. Interdisciplinary discussions on palliative care among university students in Spain: giving voice to the social debate. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2021; 16:1955441. [PMID: 34353240 PMCID: PMC8354019 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2021.1955441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND University students are the future professionals who will influence society. It is thus essential to improve students' understanding of palliative care (PC), especially those in the non-health field, to generate and encourage propitious opinions about PC. This study describes the perceptions of PC among university students from different disciplines. METHOD Qualitative exploratory study using virtual focus groups (FGs) and design thinking (DT) approach. An intentional sample of students from various disciplines, universities and cities from Spain were selected. Numerous researchers from different fields were involved in the discussion of the final thematic analysis. RESULTS Four themes and seven subthemes were found: i) Students have an ambiguous understanding about PC; ii) PC is not a common issue for non-health students; ii) Students see PC as an important and necessary field; iii) Students build counter-narratives against PC myths, demonstrating PC brings key benefits into people's lives; iv) PC is a synonym of death. CONCLUSION Despite the fact that students do not know much about PC, the topic easily arouses reflection and positive discussion. Through the conversations they find positive values and arguments against misunderstand- ing. Students from different disciplines could be the target of innovative educational initia- tives and the social debate on PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Reigada
- ATLANTES Research Group, Institute for Culture and Society, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (Idisna), Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Anna Sandgren
- Center for Collaborative Palliative Care, Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Beatriz Gómez
- School of Communication, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Inés Olza
- Emotional Culture and Identity Project, Institute for Culture and Society, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Navas
- School of Communication, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Centeno
- ATLANTES Research Group, Institute for Culture and Society, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarra Institute for Health Research (Idisna), Pamplona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mallon A, Hasson F, Casson K, Slater P, McIlfatrick S. Young adults understanding and readiness to engage with palliative care: extending the reach of palliative care through a public health approach: a qualitative study. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:120. [PMID: 34320961 PMCID: PMC8320215 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00808-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moving palliative care from a solely clinical focus to a more population based and community orientated approach is the hallmark of a much advocated public health approach to palliative care. Young adults are a vital cohort of the public, yet their understanding of palliative care has not been investigated. This study aimed to explore young adults' understanding of palliative care and identify factors that influence their engagement. METHODS A purposive sample of young adults (n = 24) aged 18-29 years were recruited from one UK University. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken face to face or via telephone or Skype between November 2017 and February 2018. Thematic analysis using a framework approach and underpinned by a socioecological perspective was used to analyse the interviews. RESULTS Three thematic categories were identified relating to intrapersonal and interpersonal influences, cultural and social influences and organisational and public policy influences. Palliative care was understood as supportive comfort care, delivered in the absence of cure, associated with the end of life and specifically focused on death and dying. Negative attitudes related to the context of care, which represented a static and hopeless situation. Whilst some reported positive attitudes, potential engagement was seen to be governed by a lack of knowledge and protective cultural norms. In terms of demonstrating readiness to engage with palliative care, participants requested clear information and suggested a normalising of palliative care through the education system. CONCLUSION Young adults in this study were ready to find out more about palliative care and identified social media as a platform upon which to engage this population. However, their perception of a society that views palliative care as a subject for those directly affected, creates a barrier to engagement. This study identified the ingredients of a public health message and mediums for disseminating the message. However, findings also suggest that a cultural shift is required to recognise the potential of engaging young adults in health issues that cross the life span, empowering them not only as individuals but as vital members of community and society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Mallon
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, School of Nursing, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB Northern Ireland
| | - Felicity Hasson
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, School of Nursing, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB Northern Ireland
| | - Karen Casson
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, School of Nursing, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB Northern Ireland
| | - Paul Slater
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, School of Nursing, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB Northern Ireland
| | - Sonja McIlfatrick
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, School of Nursing, Ulster University, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB Northern Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mallon A, Slater P, Hasson F, Casson K, McIlfatrick S. What do young adults know about palliative care? A cross-sectional survey. Public Health 2021; 191:78-84. [PMID: 33545498 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2020.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A public health approach to palliative care that reorientates care towards the public is advocated in global policy. The public are drivers in identifying care priorities and partners in finding solutions to care issues; however, a necessary prerequisite is that the public knows what palliative care is and what it can achieve. The aim of this study was to investigate what young adults, an important cohort of the public, know about palliative care and identify key predictors of knowledge. STUDY DESIGN This is a cross-sectional online survey. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey measured knowledge of palliative care using the Palliative Care Knowledge Scale (PaCKS), with young adults (aged 18-29 years) recruited from a university in the UK. Data relating to demographic characteristics and familiarity and experience of palliative care were collected, with descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses undertaken to determine respondents' knowledge levels and key predictors. RESULTS In total, 83% (n = 710) of respondents (n = 859) had heard of the term palliative care. The mean score on the PaCKS was 8.87 (standard deviation = 3.4, range = 0-13); men had lower levels of knowledge (P = 0.016). Most respondents were aware that palliative care is not specifically for those with cancer or exclusively for older populations. They were unsure of timing and other key aspects reporting significant levels of 'I don't 'know' responses. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that familiarity and experience of palliative care moderated demographic influences (age, gender, education level) on knowledge (β = 0.45, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that despite high levels of awareness and familiarity with the term, significant numbers of respondents indicated a lack of knowledge of palliative care rather than inaccurate knowledge. This suggests the need for public health organisations to partner with palliative care sectors to develop and disseminate clear unequivocal messaging relating to the breadth of palliative care that both informs and engages young adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Mallon
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Irsland, UK.
| | - P Slater
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Irsland, UK
| | - F Hasson
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Irsland, UK
| | - K Casson
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Irsland, UK
| | - S McIlfatrick
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Irsland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wong MKY, Jiang M, Medor MC, Labre KY, Frank JR, Fischer LM, Cheung WJ. Does the public feel prepared to be substitute decision-makers? Gaps in preparedness and support for a high school curriculum: a national survey. Age Ageing 2021; 50:242-247. [PMID: 32459301 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afaa100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substitute decision-makers (SDMs) make decisions on behalf of patients who do not have capacity, in line with previously expressed wishes, values and beliefs. However, miscommunications and poor awareness of previous wishes often lead to inappropriate care. Increasing public preparedness to communicate on behalf of loved ones may improve care in patients requiring an SDM. METHODS We conducted an online survey in January 2019 with a representative sample of the Canadian population. The primary outcome was self-reported preparedness to be an SDM. The secondary outcome was support for a high school curriculum on the role of SDMs. The effect of socio-demographics, known enablers and barriers to acting as an SDM, and attitudes towards a high school curriculum were assessed using multivariate analysis. RESULTS Of 1,000 participants, 53.1% felt prepared to be an SDM, and 75.4% stated they understood their loved one's values. However, only 55.6% reported having had a meaningful conversation with their loved one about values and wishes, and only 61.7% reported understanding the SDM role. Engagement in advance care planning for oneself was low (23.1%). Age, experience, training and comfort with communication were associated with preparedness in our multivariate analysis. A high school curriculum was supported by 61.1% of respondents, with 28.3% neutral and 10.6% against it. INTERPRETATION There is a gap between perceived and actual preparedness to be an SDM. Many report understanding their loved one's values yet have not asked them about wishes in illness or end of life. The majority of respondents support high school education to improve preparedness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Y Wong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Mengzhu Jiang
- Department of Family Medicine, Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Jason R Frank
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Lisa M Fischer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Warren J Cheung
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Artioli G, Bedini G, Bertocchi E, Ghirotto L, Cavuto S, Costantini M, Tanzi S. Palliative care training addressed to hospital healthcare professionals by palliative care specialists: a mixed-method evaluation. BMC Palliat Care 2019; 18:88. [PMID: 31655585 PMCID: PMC6815393 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-019-0476-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the great advances in the concept of palliative care (PC) and its benefits, its application seems to be delayed, leaving unfulfilled the many needs of patients and family members. One way to overcome this difficulty could be to develop a new training programme by palliative care specialists to improve PC primary skills in healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the training’s impact on trainees within a hospital setting using Kirkpatrick’s and Moore’s models. Methods We adopted a mixed-method evaluation with concurrent triangulation. The evaluation followed the first three steps of Kirkpatrick’s and Moore’s models and included a pre- and post-training evaluation through self-administered questionnaires and focus groups. We used the McNemar statistical test. Results The results highlighted the significant amount of knowledge acquired by the hospital professionals after training, in terms of increasing their knowledge of palliative care and in terms of the change in meaning that they attributed to phenomena related to chronicity and incurability, which they encounter daily in their professional practice. In both quantitative and qualitative research, the results, in synthesis, highlight: (i) the development of a new concept of palliative care, centred on the response to the holistic needs of people; (ii) that palliative care can also be extended to non-oncological patients in advanced illness stages (our training was directed to Geriatrics and Nephrology/Dialysis professionals); (iii) the empowerment and the increase in self-esteem that healthcare professionals gained, from learning about the logistical and structural organization of palliative care, to activate and implement PC; (iv) the need to share personal aspects of their professional life (this result emerges only in qualitative research); (v) the appreciation of cooperation and the joining of multiple competences towards a synergistic approach and enhanced outcomes. Conclusion It is necessary to further develop rigorous research on training evaluation, at the most complex orders of the Kirkpatrick and Moore models, to measure primary PC skills in health care professionals. This will develop the effectiveness of the integration of I- and II-level palliative care competencies in hospitals and improve outcomes of patients’ and families’ quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Artioli
- Palliative Care Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Umberto I, 50, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Bedini
- Casa Madonna dell'Uliveto, Centro Residenziale Cure Palliative - Hospice di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bertocchi
- Palliative Care Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Umberto I, 50, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Ghirotto
- Qualitative Research Unit, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Silvio Cavuto
- Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit, Infrastructure Research and Statistic, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Massimo Costantini
- Scientific Director, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Silvia Tanzi
- Palliative Care Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Viale Umberto I, 50, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Clinical and Experimental Medicine, PhD program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wong MKY, Medor MC, Labre KY, Jiang M, Frank JR, Fischer LM, Cheung WJ. Gaps in public preparedness to be a substitute decision-maker and the acceptability of high school education on resuscitation and end-of-life care: a mixed-methods study. CMAJ Open 2019; 7:E573-E581. [PMID: 31530581 PMCID: PMC6759018 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20190037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When a patient is incapable of making medical decisions for him- or herself, a substitute decision-maker makes choices according to the patient's previously expressed wishes, values and beliefs; however, little is known about public readiness to act as a substitute decision-maker in Canada. Our primary objective was to measure public self-reported preparedness to act as a substitute decision-maker, and explore the attitudes, barriers and enablers associated with preparedness. METHODS From November 2017 to June 2018, we conducted a mixed-methods street intercept survey at 12 pedestrian areas in Ottawa, Ontario. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis to assess predictors of perceived preparedness to be a substitute decision-maker and determine support for high school education. We analyzed qualitative interview questions using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Of the 626 eligible respondents, 196 refused to participate, leaving 430 participants (response rate 68.7%). A total of 404 surveys (94.0%) were fully complete with no missing data. The respondents were mostly female (243 [56.5%]) and residents of Ontario (364 [84.6%]). The average age was 33.9 years. Although 314 respondents (73.0%) felt prepared to be a substitute decision-maker, 194 (45.1%) reported never having had meaningful conversations with loved ones to understand their wishes in the event of critical illness. A total of 293 participants (68.1%) identified important barriers to feeling prepared. Most respondents (309 [71.9%]) agreed that high school students should learn about being a substitute decision-maker, citing age appropriateness, potential societal benefit and improved decision-making, while cautioning the need to respect different maturity levels, cultures and experiences. INTERPRETATION he lack of conversation between loved ones reveals a gap between perceived and actual preparedness to be a substitute decision-maker for a loved one with a critical illness. The overall acceptability of high school education warrants further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Y Wong
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Wong, Frank, Fischer, Cheung) and Faculty of Medicine (Medor, Yelle Labre), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Family Medicine (Jiang), Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ont.
| | - Maria Cassandre Medor
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Wong, Frank, Fischer, Cheung) and Faculty of Medicine (Medor, Yelle Labre), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Family Medicine (Jiang), Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ont
| | - Katerina Yelle Labre
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Wong, Frank, Fischer, Cheung) and Faculty of Medicine (Medor, Yelle Labre), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Family Medicine (Jiang), Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ont
| | - Mengzhu Jiang
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Wong, Frank, Fischer, Cheung) and Faculty of Medicine (Medor, Yelle Labre), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Family Medicine (Jiang), Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ont
| | - Jason R Frank
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Wong, Frank, Fischer, Cheung) and Faculty of Medicine (Medor, Yelle Labre), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Family Medicine (Jiang), Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ont
| | - Lisa M Fischer
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Wong, Frank, Fischer, Cheung) and Faculty of Medicine (Medor, Yelle Labre), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Family Medicine (Jiang), Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ont
| | - Warren J Cheung
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Wong, Frank, Fischer, Cheung) and Faculty of Medicine (Medor, Yelle Labre), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Department of Family Medicine (Jiang), Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ont
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Martins Pereira S, Araújo J, Hernández-Marrero P. Towards a public health approach for palliative care: an action-research study focused on engaging a local community and educating teenagers. BMC Palliat Care 2018; 17:89. [PMID: 29958534 PMCID: PMC6025723 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-018-0344-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Education sessions about palliative care among teenagers are uncommon in developed countries. However, very little is known either about the impact of this type of intervention or about how this age-group perceives its impact. The purpose of this study was therefore to (i) implement an education program about palliative care among teenagers and (ii) to investigate the impact of the program on the participants. METHODS An action-research study was conducted at a local community parish in Portugal in November 2015. An education programme was purposively built about palliative care, using active educational strategies adapted for teenagers. Quantitative and qualitative techniques and instruments were used for data collection: questionnaire; reflective diaries; interviews and written testimony. The program had three stages: preparation; intervention; and evaluation. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis; quantitative data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS 69 people (47 teenagers) participated in the education program. Findings show that the education program contributed to creating awareness about palliative care. Both the teenagers and other participants assessed the education program positively. At the end of the program, teenagers had a constructive message about palliative care. CONCLUSIONS The education-intervention contributed to create awareness about palliative care among the participant teenagers, who ended the program with a positive message about palliative care. Based on our findings, the following policy implications can be drawn: (1) Further research is needed to evaluate the effect of education programs about palliative care among younger age groups (teenagers and children), particularly in relation to the changing of attitudes toward palliative care. (2) Education about palliative care should be promoted to local communities, involving all age groups, to foster involvement, participation and empowerment. (3) Compassionate communities should be promoted to enhance the health and wellbeing of all citizens at the end of their life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Martins Pereira
- Instituto de Bioética, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Diogo Botelho, 1327 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
- UNESCO Chair in Bioethics Instituto de Bioética, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
- CEGE: Centro de Estudos em Gestão e Economia [Research Centre in Management and Economics Católica Porto Business School, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Araújo
- Instituto de Bioética, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Diogo Botelho, 1327 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
- UNESCO Chair in Bioethics Instituto de Bioética, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
- CEGE: Centro de Estudos em Gestão e Economia [Research Centre in Management and Economics Católica Porto Business School, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pablo Hernández-Marrero
- Instituto de Bioética, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Diogo Botelho, 1327 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
- UNESCO Chair in Bioethics Instituto de Bioética, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
- CEGE: Centro de Estudos em Gestão e Economia [Research Centre in Management and Economics Católica Porto Business School, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|