Development of a blended learning paediatric palliative care education programme to enhance the competency of paediatric oncology nurses in the Southern part of Thailand

Summary

Background

The provision of paediatric palliative care education programme in Thailand is limited and the quality of the education programmes currently available for nurses and doctors is poor. Little focus of paediatric palliative care means that nurses and doctors are often unprepared to care for children and young people at the end of life.

Aim/objectives

To explore the components of learning that enhances paediatric palliative care to inform the development of a blended programme for paediatric oncology nurses in the Southern part of Thailand. 

Methods

This study used a qualitative multi-methods design. There are three work packages (WP): WP1 - curriculum mapping about paediatric palliative care education programme in Thailand and worldwide against Children’s Palliative Care Education Standard Framework (CPCET). WP2 - online in-depth interview with key stakeholders. WP3A - development of paediatric palliative care education programme based on WP2. WP3B - online focus groups with key stakeholders to evaluate the feasibility of a newly developed paediatric palliative care education programme. Qualitative data were analysed thematically.

Results

The three biggest issues in paediatric palliative care include (1) misunderstanding the concept of palliative care; (2) inadequate referral systems; and (3) poor communication skills. Despite realising the importance of paediatric palliative care, nurses felt inadequately prepared in knowledge and skills. Paediatric palliative care is undervalued with little support for specialism, no career advancements and no training provision. The educational programme is the first to be developed in Southern Thailand. To ensure that similar education programmes are to be effective, we need to consider the; 1) Multi-dimension of learning, 2) Space for emotion work (self-care for professionals), and 3) Learning from others (Leaders, peer supports, patients, relatives, discussions and reflections). Blended delivery involving e-learning modules, online discussions, face-to-face skills workshops and site visits to palliative care wards is proved to be most suitable to enhance the education and confidence of nurses to support children and young people with palliative care needs and their families.

Conclusion

Paediatric palliative care in Thailand needs urgent development. The blended learning of paediatric palliative care education programme is the first step in changing culture and practice in the country.

Future plans

Postdoctoral project - implementation and full evaluation of CPPEP.

Outputs 

1. Theppradit P, Neilson S, Bailey C. (2023). Identification and exploration of the perception, experiences, and needs of key stakeholders to develop paediatric palliative care education programme (PPCEP) for nurses (PhD work package 2). Poster presentation at the Association for Paediatric Palliative Care Medicine (APPM) Conference on 16th - 17th November 2023, Hilton Birmingham Metropole, UK.
2. Theppradit P, Neilson S, Bailey C. (2023). The Missing Piece of Paediatric Palliative Care in Thailand (part of PhD work package 2). Oral presentation at WM CARE Conference 2023 on 10th September 2023, University of Birmingham, UK. 
3. Theppradit P, Neilson S, Bailey C (2022) Scoping review of paediatrics palliative care education programme in Thailand and worldwide (PhD work package 1). Poster presentation at the 5th All Island Children Palliative Care Conference on 17th - 18th November 2022, Titanic Hotel, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
4. Theppradit P, Neilson S, Bailey C. (2022) Content mapping of paediatric palliative care courses and conference agendas that are currently run in Thailand. Best Oral presentation at the 8th Padjadjaran International Nursing Conference on 15th - 16th September 2022 (online).