Evaluating Palliative Care Training Experiences Of Paediatric Trainees Across Scotland

Evaluating Palliative Care Training Experiences Of Paediatric Trainees Across Scotland

Downie J; Bland R M

10.1136/archdischild-2017-313087.504

Archives Of Disease In Childhood

2017

Palliative Therapy; Scotland; Student; Analgesia; Child; Consensus Development; Exposure; Family Study; Female; Grief; Human; Human Experiment; Male; Nausea And Vomiting; Recipient; Simulation Training; Sudden Infant Death Syndrome; Symptom; Teaching

Aim To determine the experience of training in paediatric palliative medicine (PPM) among trainees, to identify how well trainees were able to meet RCPCH competences in PPM, and to explore educational opportunities desired by trainees to enhance current PPM training. Methods A semi-structured survey, containing 22 questions, was sent by email to all 4 Paediatric Training programme directors in Scotland (North, East, South East and West) for onward distribution to paediatric trainees (ST1-ST8) between October 2015 and October 2016. Questions explored PPM teaching experience, trainees confidence in achieving RCPCH palliative care competences, and identification additional training desired. Results 60 (54%) recipients responded; 27 (45%) level one; 13 (22%) level two, and 20 (33%) level three. 50 (81%) respondents had undertaken all their paediatric training in Scotland. The majority of trainees had limited exposure to dedicated PPM training: 26 (42%) stated they had no training and 25 (40%) had completed 1-2 teaching sessions in PPM. Grading their ability to meetthe RCPCH palliative care competences 35 (63%) felt confident in the recognition of loss and grief and their effects 42 (70%) in understanding the need to respect the wishes of the child and family, but only 30 (50%) in their knowledge of the guidelines on withholding and withdrawing treatment and the local and national guidance on sudden infant death (SUDE). Regarding symptom management and recognition of the palliative phase of a patient journey, respondents were neutral or in disagreement that they had gained sufficient experience to be clinical competent in these fields (70% and 58% respectively). Trainees identified numerous areas in which they desired additional training: 85% on guidance around withholding and withdrawing treatment; 68% on anticipatory care planning; 67% on pain management and 55% on management of nausea and vomiting. Trainees responded positively when asked if simulation training would enhance PPM training, particularly around breaking bad news (86%), and anticipatory care planning and limitations of treatment (81%). Conclusion Paediatric trainees have limited exposure to designated PPM training in Scotland and identified that this lack of training opportunities negatively impacts on their clinical knowledge and competence. Training and education is strongly desired in a number of areas with simulation being identified as a useful method of delivering training when there is inadequate clinical exposure to PPM.

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