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SUPPORTING THE SUPPORT WORKERS. Ann Corbett & Jodie Morris Clinical Nurse Facilitators End of Life Care. Our initial motivation…. Health Care Assistants - Provide the majority of day-to-day care for patients Are the predominant bedside nurses
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SUPPORTING THE SUPPORT WORKERS Ann Corbett & Jodie Morris Clinical Nurse Facilitators End of Life Care
Our initial motivation… • Health Care Assistants - • Provide the majority of day-to-day care for patients • Are the predominant bedside nurses • Are visible / available to relatives and carers • Are often regarded as indispensable • Have little if any opportunities to access communication training
Why we did it… • EOL Care strategy (2008) emphasised the importance of communication training at all levels • Feedback from education sessions highlighted that HCAs lacked confidence in difficult communication • EOL complaints
How we approached it… • Training needs analysis (TNA) • Undertook advanced communication training • Included the help of a counsellor • Formulated a teaching plan • Designed an application form • Devised pre and post evaluation tools
What we did… • Based on the “Connected” advanced communication course we - • Devised a two day course • Employed actors • Used filmed interactive role play • Applied constructive feedback • Utilized communication exercises
What we learnt… • HCAs are keen and enthusiastic • They feel under valued • Increased confidence - from pre and post questionnaires • There is a need for communication training for HCAs • Role play and constructive feedback was invaluable
From the evaluations… • The participants reported increased confidence by at least 70% in – • discussing EOL care with relatives / carers • discussing EOL care with patients • discussing death / dying with relatives • challenging behaviour of relatives
On Reflection… • Slight restructure • Accommodate maximum learning experience • Decreased group size to 8 • Extend exposure to different scenarios • Improve group dynamics • Compounding relationships (feeling safe)
Where do we go from here?... • Run 4 courses a year as part of ongoing training in EOL care • Enabling 32 HCAs to be trained over a one year period • Apply for the course to become accredited • Secure ongoing funding • Extend the training to include all staff exposed to EOL care
References DOH (2008) End of life Care Strategy Levinson et al (1997) Physician - Patient communication