Adapting and testing an eLearning resource for professionals to support families when a significant caregiver for children is dying with cancer

Purpose 

Health and social care professionals (professionals) often lack knowledge, skills and confidence to support adults at end of life with significant caregiving responsibilities for children, < 18. A recent systematic review highlighted a dearth of educational interventions (n = 2) to equip professionals to provide supportive care to families when a parent has cancer. Addressing an evident gap in education, this paper details the adaption and optimisation of a face-to-face educational intervention to an accessible eLearning resource. 

Methods

Guided by the ‘Person-based Approach’, a theory-driven and evidence-based face-to-face educational intervention was adapted and optimised as an eLearning resource. This incorporated current evidence, alongside insights from an expert group, learning technologists and research team, leading to the design of an eLearning prototype. This was optimised for acceptability and usability using think-aloud interviews with end-users (n = 13) and patient and public involvement (n = 4). 

Results

 An iterative adaption and optimisation process enabled implementation of navigational improvements, changes to enhance clarity on language and appropriateness of images and interactive components. During optimisation, positive feedback was reported; especially regarding the ‘look and feel’ and on the educational videos and reflective exercises embedded throughout the eLearning resource. 

Conclusion

 The systematic adaption and optimisation of this novel eLearning resource has aimed to promote relevance, appropriateness, and applicability of an accessible evidence-based and theory-driven training resource for professionals. It has the potential to promote family-centred supportive end of life cancer care, which ultimately can promote better bereavement outcomes. An evaluation of the intervention is required to explore impact on practice.