Mrs Sarah Begley1
1Eastern Palliative Care, Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Sarah, a Clinical Educator at Eastern Palliative Care and current committee member of the Palliative Care Nurses Australia (PCNA), brings extensive experience in community palliative care across rural, regional, and metropolitan areas nationwide.
Abstract:
Background: "EPC Foundations" addresses the critical need for accelerated training for new palliative care nursing and allied health professionals in Australia, noting a shortage of comprehensive courses in this field. Launched in July 2023, the program aims to facilitate a rapid transition from novice to advanced beginner, ensuring practitioners are well-equipped for the nuanced challenges of delivering proficient community palliative care.
Aims: The primary goal of "EPC Foundations" is to provide intensive, multidisciplinary training that supports participants in achieving a high level of competence and confidence in the field of community palliative care, catering to both novice nurses and allied health professionals.
Methods: The course spans nine days over two to three weeks, featuring face-to-face teaching and simulated home visits. A team of two lead instructors, plus medical, allied health, and nursing experts, employ simulation-based training with volunteer actors. Individual learning needs are prioritised through assessments and tailored content, focusing on symptom assessment, communication, end-of-life care, family education, after-death care, and practical skills.
Results: Since its inception, "EPC Foundations" has been conducted twice, training nineteen participants. Participant feedback highlights the course as providing a secure space for developing confidence in independent community work. The program's unique features, such as the palliative care toolkit and specialised allied health content, contribute to its effectiveness in meeting the diverse needs of participants.
Conclusions: "EPC Foundations" emerges as a pioneering course, uniquely positioned to bridge the training gap for novice palliative care professionals in Australia. The positive results and feedback underscore the program's efficacy in fast-tracking proficiency, promoting risk reduction, and enhancing the competence of new staff in the delivery of community palliative care. This presentation aims to share insights into the program's structure, outcomes, and participant experiences, contributing valuable knowledge to the broader palliative care community.