Publication
Palliative care education in an Australian undergraduate pharmacy curriculum: an exploratory descriptive study
Ong J, Rego J, Ung T, Kumar S, Ash K, Saini B, Yates P · International Journal of Pharmacy Practice
Abstract Objectives To examine the self-perceived knowledge, confidence and preparedness of undergraduate pharmacy students to provide palliative care. Methods A descriptive exploratory analysis was conducted in 2021 at an Australian university involving final-year pharmacy students (n = 200) who were provided with the opportunity to complete a survey on self-perceived knowledge, confidence and preparedness overall and with respect to a range of graduate capabilities which are essential to provide care in palliative care settings. Key capability areas include: communication, showing empathy, making clinical judgements and self-reflection. This was measured using the Palliative Care Curriculum for Undergraduates Questionnaire which was distributed electronically. Descriptive statistics were undertaken and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to explore any differences in outcomes with respect to factors related to demographics, personal experience and education. Thematic analysis was utilised for qualitative data. Key findings Forty-five percent of the student cohort (n = 89) responded, 70% of whom were female, and the median age for students was 22 years. Median scores (interquartile range) were modest for overall self-perceived knowledge: 5.0 (3.0–5.0), confidence: 4.0 (3.0–5.0) and preparedness: 4.0 (2.5–5.0). Students who had participated in learning about palliative care through clinical placements (n = 25, 28%), self-directed learning activities (n = 18, 20%) or case-/problem-based learning (n = 14, 16%) demonstrated a statistically significant increase in overall preparedness (P = 0.017), confidence with specific capabilities including evidence-based practice (P = 0.013), responding to medication queries (P < 0.05) and managing symptoms other than pain (P = 0.018). Conclusions Findings suggest students were confident to manage symptoms and medication-related issues but less confident to address distress or discuss sensitive matters with patients and their families. There may be a need for greater exposure and practical experience in palliative care settings.
Synced from the TRENDS in Pediatric Palliative Care Zotero library, curated by The Siden Research Team. ICPCN does not host or verify the full text.