Helen Dryden1, Rachael Addicott. 1. Marie Curie Cancer Care, Ashludie Hospital, Monifieth. helen.dryden@mariecurie.org.uk
Abstract
UNLABELLED: This report evaluates a pilot study day, which provided an introduction for healthcare assistants and social care officers into the causes, incidence and impact of symptoms encountered when providing palliative care for people with advanced disease. AIM: To demonstrate whether the study day facilitated an increase in confidence and knowledge in key areas of symptom control, the degree of satisfaction with the study day and whether participants were able to use information from the study day in practice. METHOD: Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in the evaluation process. Data were collected using satisfaction questionnaires, pre- and post-test questionnaires, and a telephone follow-up for self-selected participants. RESULTS: There was a high degree of satisfaction with the study day. The results demonstrated statistically significant increases in both knowledge and confidence in helping to manage key symptoms encountered in palliative care patients. CONCLUSION: All participants reported that the aims of the day were met and agreed that the topics were relevant to practice.
UNLABELLED: This report evaluates a pilot study day, which provided an introduction for healthcare assistants and social care officers into the causes, incidence and impact of symptoms encountered when providing palliative care for people with advanced disease. AIM: To demonstrate whether the study day facilitated an increase in confidence and knowledge in key areas of symptom control, the degree of satisfaction with the study day and whether participants were able to use information from the study day in practice. METHOD: Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in the evaluation process. Data were collected using satisfaction questionnaires, pre- and post-test questionnaires, and a telephone follow-up for self-selected participants. RESULTS: There was a high degree of satisfaction with the study day. The results demonstrated statistically significant increases in both knowledge and confidence in helping to manage key symptoms encountered in palliative care patients. CONCLUSION: All participants reported that the aims of the day were met and agreed that the topics were relevant to practice.