Palliative approach education for rural nurses and health-care workers: a mixed-method study

Background: The aim of this mixed-method study was to evaluate the outcomes of an educational intervention in a palliative approach for rural nurses and health-care workers (HCWs) using a team-based method. Methods: Pre-and post-test measures using the Palliative Care Nursing Self-Competence (PCSNC) scale and the Self-Perceived Palliative Care Knowledge instrument were used to evaluate learning outcomes. Participant post-test scores were also compared to normative provincial data. Findings: At post-test, HCWs showed statistically significant improvements across 7 of 10 domains in self-perceived competence and 6 of 12 domains in self-perceived knowledge; all scores were equivalent to or better than provincial normative data. Nurses' self-perceived knowledge showed statistically significant improvements in 3 of 12 domains; all post-test scores were equivalent to provincial normative data. Qualitative data indicated improvements in familiarity with the resources available for palliative care and in communication among the nursing team. Conclusion: An educational intervention can improve the competence and knowledge of rural HCWs and nurses in a palliative approach.