Developing an e learning module in paediatric palliative care

Abstract

Aims Following the introduction of competency-based training in 2007, the Paediatric Palliative Care Medicine curriculum was produced by the education subgroups of the RCPCH British Society for Paediatric Palliative Medicine and the Association of Children's Hospice Doctors. This document informs training and assessment of doctors who encounter paediatric end of life care or children with life-limiting/life threatening conditions. With the European working time directive and reduction in hours to 48 per week, there is less time for teaching. This abstract describes setting up an e-learning module in Paediatric Palliative care. Methods An initial funding bid to National Health Service (NHS) West Midlands was successful with further funding for animation obtained from the Department of Health Paediatric palliative care monies. At an initial meeting of key regional Paediatricians and specialist nurses identified through the West Midlands Paediatric Palliative care network, module content was agreed using the Paediatric palliative care curriculum as guidance. By tender bids, a media company was selected who produced examples of e-learning modules and a script template. Over 18 months, scripts were written and consensus reached on final content at a 1 day review meeting attended by 7 members of the initial group. The module has involved close liaison with ACT (Association for Children's Palliative Care). Results 22 modules with over 60 animations and audio clips have been produced. A sample will be demonstrated. Interactive exercises are a key feature. The modules can be used in any order, healthcare professionals can select modules according to their own learning needs and they form part of a blended approach to learning. From April 2011, these modules can be accessed free of charge via the NHS West Midlands or ACT websites. Conclusions This e-learning resource for paediatric palliative care is an important and timely project to enhance training and education for high quality paediatric palliative care. E-learning is growing in importance due to reduced working hours and increasing technological capabilities. This resource, blueprinted to the palliative care curriculum, is applicable not only to regional Paediatricians but also nationally and internationally. Unlike a book, important amendments will be made without significant time delay.

Regional adaptation of the education in palliative and end‐of‐life Care Pediatrics (EPEC‐Pediatrics) curriculum in Eurasia

“…These findings have important potential implications for addressing the highly prevalent and urgent issue of burnout and compassion fatigue among clinicians caring for children with cancer – especially during the COVID19 pandemic as healthcare professionals are strained by increasing workload and uncertainty from the ongoing pandemic 40–42 . Our successful experience may be used to guide future regional adaptation of the EPEC‐Pediatrics curriculum to improve clinician knowledge and engage collaboration in PPC globally 43,44 . Additionally, this method can inform the design and structure of future courses 21 …”

“… 40 , 41 , 42 Our successful experience may be used to guide future regional adaptation of the EPEC‐Pediatrics curriculum to improve clinician knowledge and engage collaboration in PPC globally. 43 , 44 Additionally, this method can inform the design and structure of future courses. 21 …”

“…[40][41][42] Our successful experience may be used to guide future regional adaptation of the EPEC-Pediatrics curriculum to improve clinician knowledge and engage collaboration in PPC globally. 43,44 Additionally, this method can inform the design and structure of future courses. 21 Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this course was delivered virtually, including a novel bilingual asynchronous/synchronous format using an education platform (Cure4Kids).…”