The implementation and evaluation of a psychosocial care programme to improve the patient experience at the end of life
Background
Local and national guidelines prioritise psychosocial care and identify minimum standards against which such care should be measured. However an education needs assessment at the hospice established many staff had a lack of knowledge and understanding of psychosocial care, resulting in low confidence when providing this aspect of care.
Purpose
The study aimed to develop and evaluate a psychosocial care education programme that is relevant and applicable to all health professionals providing end-of-life care. Key objectives were to ascertain whether attendance on the programme increased understanding of the key principles of psychosocial care and increased self-reported confidence in providing this aspect of care.
Methodology
The study adopted a between-methods approach i.e. the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. Nine staff from the hospice attended the programme run over three days, one day per month. Data collection included a confidence questionnaire administered before and one month after the total programme; knowledge questionnaires administered before and after each individual study day; an audio-taped interaction with a patient between day two and three; an audio-taped observation with a patient after day three; and a focus group six months after completion of the programme. Ethics approval was granted by the local research ethics committee.
Key Findings and Conclusions
Recommendations