ImPaCT: Improving Palliative Care for Tomorrow

This study explored the impact over five years of a unique education initiative in palliative care developed by LOROS and the University of Northampton.

The impact of the Foundation Degree in Palliative and Supportive Care (FDPSC) was explored from three perspectives: the patient, the student and the employer and assess whether the degree has achieved its aim and objectives.

Objectives

  1. To follow students through the 2 year course and in the 3 years following course completion to:
    1. explore changes in knowledge, skills, attitudes and confidence in caring for people with advanced and terminal illness
    2. explore career intention, the students’ perceptions of the influence of the FDPSC on this and document their career pathway
    3. consider student views on the value, the benefits and drawbacks of the FDPSC
    4. actively explore the motivations and fears of students in undertaking the FDPSC and what needs students have for support in their learning.
    5. Report on student academic achievement
  2. To explore patient and lay carer/family views on the care they receive from students as they undertake the course and consider whether there is any change in the quality of care.
  3. To explore the role of the support worker in palliative and supportive care from the employer/managers perspective and seek their views as to how their development has and/or could change the care provided and/or the structure of the care team within their organisation.
  4. To consider the cost and the benefits as perceived by the students, patient, family/lay carers and employers/managers. Specifically is this money well spent? In what ways does the FDPSC have added value?

Project duration

October 2008- June 2014

Funder

Skills for Health and East Midlands Health Care Workforce Deanery

Project team

Professor Christina Faull (PI), LOROS
Kay Phelps, University of Leicester
Dr Jane Wale, LOROS
Idaliza Nukis, LOROS

Publications

Pal L, Dixon R, Faull C 2013. Utilising feedback from patients and their families as a learning strategy in a foundation degree in palliative and supportive care: a qualitative study. Nurse Education Today doi:pii: S0260-6917(13)00212-8. 10.1016/j.nedt.2013.06.012

Conference presentations

What are the impacts of communication skills training in a foundation degree for support workers?

Evaluating the Impact of a Foundation Degree in Palliative Care and Supportive Care: What are the consequences for the career and role of health and social care Support workers?

Education changed my life. Experiences of Learners from a Foundation Degree in Palliative and Supportive Care

"Ways Of Seeing" - Views On The Most Important Elements In The Patient And Support Worker Relationship In Palliative Care.