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Supporting in an existential crisis: A mixed-methods evaluation of a training model in palliative care

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 June 2017

Lisa Sand ,
Mariann Olsson  and
Peter Strang
Lisa Sand*
Affiliation:
Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholms Sjukhems foundation R&D, Stockholm, Sweden
Mariann Olsson
Affiliation:
Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholms Sjukhems Foundation R&D, Stockholm, Sweden
Peter Strang
Affiliation:
Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholms Sjukhems foundation R&D, Stockholm, Sweden
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Lisa Sand, ASIH Långbro Park, Bergtallsvägen 12, 125 59 Älvsjö, Stockholms Sjukhems, Mariebergsgatan 22, 112 19 Stockholm, Sweden. E-mail: [email protected].
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Abstract

Background:

Palliative care staff often report that they lack the skills and confidence to provide support during an existential crisis. Consequently, there is a definite need for a training program in this area.

Objective:

Our aim was to investigate whether a training model could give palliative care staff increased knowledge, awareness, and preparedness—all useful tools for providing support.

Methods:

A mixed-methods research design was used. Data were collected in four hospital-based palliative homecare teams in the Stockholm area. In total, 34 staff participated, representing different palliative care team professions. Before and after the intervention, a questionnaire with a 9-point Likert-type scale was completed (n = 34). Qualitative focus group discussions were conducted a month after the intervention (25 participants). These were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis with a manifest focus.

Results:

In the quantitative part of our study, the participants showed significantly increased perceived knowledge, awareness, and preparedness in every aspect (p < 0.001 for all items). The focus group discussions revealed a process that made it possible to apply new knowledge and insight. The process began with theoretical knowledge and, through care-related reflection and self-reflection, the knowledge base gradually developed and provided useful skills and increased job satisfaction.

Significance of results:

The team-based “TrainingModel Sand/TER” can be performed without excessive effort and contribute to improved competence in providing support during an existential crisis. It is particularly useful for staff working in clinical palliative care.

Keywords

Palliative careExistential crisisEducational modelSOLO taxonomyMixed-methods research
Type
Original Article
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 16 , Special Issue 4: Topics in Bereavement , August 2018 , pp. 470 - 478
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2017 

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