ABSTRACT: Training the Workforce: Description of a Longitudinal Interdisciplinary Education and Mentoring Program in Palliative Care.
CONTEXT:
The rapid increase in demand for palliative care (PC) services has led to concerns regarding workforce shortages and threats to the resiliency of PC teams.
OBJECTIVES:
To describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a regional interdisciplinary training program in PC.
METHODS:
Thirty nurse and physician “fellows” representing 22 health systems across the Chicago region participated in a two-year PC training program. The curriculum was delivered through multiple conferences, self-directed e-learning, and individualized mentoring by expert local faculty (“mentors”). Fellows shadowed mentors’ clinical practices and received guidance on designing, implementing and evaluating a practice improvement project (PIP) to address gaps in PC at their institutions.
RESULTS:
Enduring, interdisciplinary relationships were built at all levels across health care organizations. Fellows made significant increases in knowledge and self-reported confidence in adult and pediatric PC and program development skills, and frequency performing these skills. Fellows and mentors reported high satisfaction with the educational program.
CONCLUSION:
This interdisciplinary PC training model addressed local workforce issues by increasing the number of clinicians capable of providing palliative care. Unique features include individualized longitudinal mentoring, interdisciplinary education, on-site project implementation, and local network-building. Future research will address the impact of the addition of social work and chaplain trainees to the program.
Written by Brian S McGowan, PhD
Brian is a research scientist and educational technologist. He helped transform Pfizer’s Medical Education Group and previously served in educational leadership roles at HealthAnswers, Inc.; Acumentis, LLC.; Cephalon; and Wyeth. He taught graduate medical education programs at Arcadia University for 10 years. Dr. McGowan recently authored the book "#socialQI: Simple Solutions for Improving Your Healthcare" and has been invited to speak internationally on the subject of information flow, technology, and learning in healthcare.
