Description
Background: Consistently, healthcare professionals highlight a lack of knowledge, skill and training to support adults who are dying and have significant caregiving responsibilities for children (<18).Aim: To deliver and evaluate an educational intervention to equip healthcare professionals on how best to support families when an adult with significant caregiving responsibilities is dying.
Methods: An evidence-based and theory-driven face-to-face educational intervention has been developed and delivered to over 2000 professionals. The intervention was evaluated using three levels of Kirkpatrick's Model of Evaluation. Pre-test, post-test surveys were completed immediately before-and-after the intervention with 239 professionals using a validated self-efficacy scale and single-item questions evaluating perceived usefulness and relevance (levels one/two). Qualitative interviews were conducted with fourteen professionals up to 19-months post-intervention to explore if, and how the intervention impacted professionals' practice (level three).
Results: Quantitative findings demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in self-efficacy post-educational intervention (p < 0.001). Qualitative data highlighted professionals gained new approaches to progress end-of-life conversations with adults, despite some familial resistance to sharing the reality of the situation with children. Positive intervention content shaping clinical practice included a bereaved parent's lived experience and a communication framework. Some professionals considered a booster session and opportunities to practice conversations necessary to further consolidate learning into practice.
Conclusion: Evidence and theory-driven education can positively impact professionals' provision of family-centred care. Recently, this face-to-face educational intervention has been adapted and evaluated to a standalone, self-directed, 40-minute eLearning intervention. Alongside the promotion of this sustainable and equitable education, advanced communication skills programmes should incorporate adult-child end-of-life conversations.
| Period | 20 Nov 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event title | International Collaborative for Best Care for the Dying Person: TENTH INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE ON BEST CARE FOR THE DYING PERSON |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Liverpool, United KingdomShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |