A PROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF PAEDIATRIC TRAINEES EXPOSURE TO PALLIATIVE CARE IN IRISH HOSPITALS

Title

A PROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF PAEDIATRIC TRAINEES EXPOSURE TO PALLIATIVE CARE IN IRISH HOSPITALS

Creator

Flinn K; McElligott F; Devins M; Allen J; Capra M

Publisher

BMJ Paediatrics Open

Date

2024

Subject

palliative therapy; child; conference abstract; constipation; data analysis software; diagnosis; dyspnea; emotional stress; health care personnel; human; normal human; questionnaire; symptomatology; thematic analysis

Description

Aim Paediatric palliative care (PPC) is an ever evolving speciality in Ireland. It is recommended that all healthcare professionals involved in the care of children living with a life-limiting condition need to have an understanding of the core principals of PPC and to be able to adopt them appropriately1. Irish paediatric practitioners have previously reported a need for further training in PPC2. This study reviews the current status of practitioner confidence in the management of PPC patients and what they might wish for in terms of further training. Material and Method Ethical approval was granted by the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland (RCPI). A specifically designed questionnaire was distributed to all paediatric trainees using the RCPI email network. Results were reviewed and analysed using excel and SPSS. Results A total of 264 trainees were contacted to participate of which 52 responded (20%). Of these, 19 (37%) were Basic Specialist Trainees (BST) and 33 (63%) were Higher Specialist Trainees (HST). Forty-eight (92%) reported working in a job involving patients requiring PPC input. In relation to confidence in symptom management of PPC patients, the majority of trainees (78%) felt confident managing constipation, compared to secretions (36%), pain (28%), breathlessness (12%) and psychological distress (6%). All surveyed trainees (100%) felt they would benefit from further teaching or training in PPC. Preferences for further education included an online course (62%), a specific study day (81%) and a PPC clinical rotation (75%). Conclusions As outlined above the majority of trainees work in posts requiring the care of PPC patients. Despite this, a minority feel comfortable managing the most common symptomatology which is consistent with previous thematic analysis in this area2. In order to advance the speciality of PPC in Ireland as well as general confidence of our trainees, the development of specific training and teaching opportunities would be beneficial.

Rights

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Citation List Month

October List 2024

Collection

Citation

Flinn K; McElligott F; Devins M; Allen J; Capra M, “A PROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF PAEDIATRIC TRAINEES EXPOSURE TO PALLIATIVE CARE IN IRISH HOSPITALS,” Pediatric Palliative Care Library, accessed February 8, 2025, https://pedpalascnetlibrary.omeka.net/items/show/19752.