Setting up a structured continuing educational programme for volunteers working in palliative care in a tertiary care cancer institute in India: a preliminary assessment of educational need — ASN Events

Setting up a structured continuing educational programme for volunteers working in palliative care in a tertiary care cancer institute in India: a preliminary assessment of educational need (#423)

Jayita Deodhar 1 , Mary Ann Muckaden 1 , Manjiri Dighe 1
  1. Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Mah, India

Although there are reports of training programmes for medical, nursing, psychology, social work and spiritual counseling professionals working in palliative care, literature is scarce in the area of continuing educational programmes for volunteers working in this field, which is essential for excellence in delivery of palliative care. In this study, we aim to conduct a preliminary assessment of educational needs of volunteers working in the palliative care clinic in a tertiary care oncology institute in India in order to develop a structured formal continuing educational programme for this group. A cross sectional survey of volunteers working in the palliative care clinic in this setting was carried out with the help of a questionnaire specially prepared for this purpose, noting the previous training, years of experience and a comprehensive list of topics for inclusion in this programme, rated in order of importance according to them. Relevant statistical analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18 was done for descriptive statistics and group comparisons. 14 out of 17 (82%) volunteers working in palliative care given the questionnaire completed it. 50% respondents had 5-10 years experience in working in palliative care. All agreed that there was a need for a continuing educational programme and the topics for inclusion in order of importance were communication skills, physical, psychological and social aspects of palliative care. Spiritual-existential aspects and self care were found important components by 71% of respondents, but were rated lower in importance than the above. Volunteers with more than 5 years of experience felt the need for self-care as a topic in the curriculum as compared to those with less than 5 years experience (p<0.05). Comparison of volunteers based on type of training did not yield any difference. Volunteers in palliative care have certain educational needs and a preliminary assessment of these is important in developing a structured formal continuing educational programme essential for transdisciplinary excellence in delivery of palliative care.