Cape Breton's Palliative Care Education a Success
CANCER CARE N.S.--Cape Breton's Palliative Care Education a Success
Cape Breton area residents are receiving improved palliative care services from better trained health-care workers thanks to Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Palliative Care Front-Line Education Program, says an evaluation released today, March 31.
One-hundred-thirty-nine health professionals from across Cape Breton District Health Authority completed an evaluation after taking the three-day program. All feedback was positive. The evaluation indicates that the program content was appropriate, meaningful and applicable to the daily work of health-care providers. Through pre- and post-testing, participants demonstrated both an increase in and retention of knowledge.
"Palliative and supportive care is an essential component of a high-quality cancer system," said Dr. Andrew Padmos, commissioner, Cancer Care Nova Scotia. "The Palliative Care Front-Line Education Program has significantly increased the level of palliative care expertise available to Nova Scotia cancer patients and their families. It is providing health professionals with the knowledge they need to more skilfully manage the unique needs of their patients."
By covering such topics as pain management, spiritual and cultural considerations, and grief and bereavement, the Palliative Care Front-Line Education Program addresses the physical, emotional, social and spiritual impacts of dealing with a life-threatening illness. It is designed to provide front-line health-care workers with the education they need to deliver high- quality palliative care.
"This initiative helps build confidence among health professionals throughout the province -- and patients ultimately benefit from their enhanced knowledge," said Health Minister Angus MacIsaac.
The Palliative Care Front-Line Education Program encourages collaboration and the development of community partnerships by incorporating an interprofessional, team approach to education. To build on the program's success and further enhance the quality of palliative care services in Nova Scotia, Cancer Care Nova Scotia will provide continued support to districts that offer the three-day program.
"The Palliative Care Front-Line Education Program was offered in two locations in our district and was well received in both, particularly by the volunteers and the continuing care staff," said David MacIver, vice-president of community and continuing care for Cape Breton District Health Authority. "The program allowed members of the interdisciplinary palliative care team to participate in a structured education program, which is an opportunity that many may not have had otherwise. We definitely want to offer this program again in the near future."
Diane Leblanc, who was just starting her role as palliative care co-ordinator when she completed the program, said it offers something for everyone. "The Palliative Care Front-Line Education Program is extremely valuable, especially to volunteers without a formal education in health care," she said. "I see a particular need for this program in rural areas of our province. I'm currently working with two other palliative care nurses from Baddeck and Inverness, and we hope to have the program available later this year in Margaree."
The Palliative Care Front-Line Education Program was developed in response to a needs assessment and a Palliative Care Roundtable hosted by Cancer Care Nova Scotia. It was modelled after the Rural Palliative Home Care Project, a federal health transition project conducted in 1999 and 2000.
Cancer Care Nova Scotia is a program of the Department of Health, created to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals, families and the health-care system through prevention, screening, education and research.