Michael Connolly1, Sarah McLean2, Suzanne Guerin3, Gillian Walsh4, Aileen Barrett4, Karen Ryan2. 1. 1 School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland. 2. 2 St Francis Hospice, Raheny, Dublin, Ireland. 3. 3 School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland. 4. 4 Education Development Department, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although the provision of palliative care (PC) is fundamental to the role of the physician, little research has assessed the competence of trainee and experienced physicians in PC. AIM: To describe the development of a competence questionnaire and assess the level of competence of medical doctors in Ireland to provide PC to individuals with life-limiting conditions and their families. DESIGN: A survey-based cohort study was employed using a questionnaire based on the Palliative Care Competence Framework, developed specifically for this study. SETTING: The sample was accessed via the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. All specialties in adult medical care and direct patient contact were included. RESULTS: A pilot study demonstrated comprehensiveness and ensured face validity. In the main study, all subscales showed internal reliability and evidence of a normal distribution. Strong correlation was noted between knowledge and behavior while moderate correlations were noted between attitudes and behavior and attitudes and knowledge, respectively. As expected, palliative-trained participants scored significantly higher in attitudes, behavior, and knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides baseline data on the level of competence of PC of doctors working in Ireland. The study also offers a novel assessment tool that has the potential to be used for future research.
BACKGROUND: Although the provision of palliative care (PC) is fundamental to the role of the physician, little research has assessed the competence of trainee and experienced physicians in PC. AIM: To describe the development of a competence questionnaire and assess the level of competence of medical doctors in Ireland to provide PC to individuals with life-limiting conditions and their families. DESIGN: A survey-based cohort study was employed using a questionnaire based on the Palliative Care Competence Framework, developed specifically for this study. SETTING: The sample was accessed via the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. All specialties in adult medical care and direct patient contact were included. RESULTS: A pilot study demonstrated comprehensiveness and ensured face validity. In the main study, all subscales showed internal reliability and evidence of a normal distribution. Strong correlation was noted between knowledge and behavior while moderate correlations were noted between attitudes and behavior and attitudes and knowledge, respectively. As expected, palliative-trained participants scored significantly higher in attitudes, behavior, and knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides baseline data on the level of competence of PC of doctors working in Ireland. The study also offers a novel assessment tool that has the potential to be used for future research.
Entities:
Keywords:
education; psychometrics; training and development