Description
AbstractBackground
Health and social care professionals (professionals) are often unsure how best to support families when an adult
with significant caregiving responsibilities for children (<18) is dying with cancer. This project aimed to evaluate the
acceptability, usability, and effectiveness of an evidence-based, theory-driven eLearning intervention to equip and
promote professionals’ self-efficacy to deliver family-centered supportive cancer care.
Methods
Guided by the “Person-based Approach,” a mixed-methods outcome evaluation was used. To determine the effect
on self-efficacy, 99 participants completed a validated pre-test and post-test 12-item self-efficacy survey. Twelve
one-to-one, semi-structured interviews and single-item questions determined the usability by professionals of
the eLearning intervention and the acceptability of perceived learning in clinical practice. To generate enhanced
insights, quantitative and qualitative data were integrated through a 4-stage, modified pillar integration process.
Results
Findings highlighted a statistically significant improvement in post-test self-efficacy, p<.001. Usability of the
e-learning intervention was positive, with participants reporting that it was clear and organized, the layout was
appealing, the language was easy to understand, and graphics and media were purposeful and engaging.
Following engagement with the eLearning intervention, professionals reported preparedness to deliver supportive
adult-professional end-of-life cancer care, when an adult with significant caregiving responsibilities is dying.
Findings demonstrated transferable learning to additional contexts, such as other close adult-child relational bonds
(grandparents) and to life-limiting conditions.
Conclusion
The systematic and iterative ‘Person-based Approach’ optimised the acceptability of a novel eLearning intervention,
having the potential to promote family-centered supportive end-of-life cancer care. This accessible eLearning
intervention makes an important contribution to the recognised global gap of educational interventions in this field.
Equipping professionals with family-centered supportive end-of-life care improves self-efficacy and preparedness
to engage in challenging conversations, with the potential to promote better outcomes for affected adults and
children and mediate adverse outcomes pre-and-post bereavement.
| Period | 21 Nov 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event title | 20th Anniversary of the UK Oncology Nursing Society Annual Conference (2025) |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Birmingham, United KingdomShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | National |