Developing a community-based paediatric palliative care course for health volunteers in a rural area of Northern Thailand

Summary

Background

Education plays a significant role in developing a public health approach to palliative care and enhancing the community care network. Educating health volunteers will benefit the families of children who have received palliative care and eradicate inequities in receiving palliative care services for children within the community. However, the training course for health volunteers, particularly regarding children's palliative care, is rare in Thailand.

Aim/objectives

This study aims to develop a programme of paediatric palliative care training for health volunteers in a rural community in northern Thailand. 

Methods

This study adopts a community-based participatory research approach. The training programme will be developed from various perspectives, such as volunteers in the community, carers, and healthcare providers, through in-depth interviews. The learning content for volunteers will be identified through a scoping literature review using Children’s Palliative Care Education and Training (CPCET) as a framework. Finally, an online meeting will be held to share the results and consult with participants about developing and revising an appropriate training programme. 

Expected outcomes

This study will provide new knowledge regarding the perspectives of both healthcare professionals and non-healthcare professionals on creating an appropriate guide and training curriculum to promote volunteers' competency in palliative care for children within the context of a rural area.

(This study is in progress.)

Future plans

Implementation and evaluation of the training course in community.