Development of a learning resource for pediatric palliative care

Knox, Sarah (2019) Development of a learning resource for pediatric palliative care. Practicum Report. Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Background: There is currently no pediatric palliative care unit in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, therefore most children with life-threatening illnesses are admitted to the medicine unit at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Center (Janeway) for palliative and end-of-life (EOL) care. Many of the nurses working on this unit have never had any formal training in pediatric palliative care. Purpose: The purpose of the practicum project was to develop a learning resource for nurses on the medicine unit at the Janeway to educate and support them when providing palliative care to children. Methods: (1) literature review related to the need for education and specific education interventions; (2) consultations with nurses on the unit and key informants; (3) environmental scan to find resources available in Eastern Canada; and (4) development of a resource. Results: Multiple topics were identified through the various sources. Based on these findings a learning resource was developed. The resource consists of four selflearning modules that cover a variety of topics associated with pediatric palliative care, such as communication, pain, symptom management, and the EOL stage. Each module includes self-evaluation components such as reflection exercises, case studies, and “test your knowledge” questions. Conclusion: This learning resource can be used by any healthcare professional who cares for palliative care children or is interested in learning more on this topic. The next step is to pilot test this learning resource.

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