Palliative Care Always: Hepatology—Virtual Primary Palliative Care Training for Hepatologists. Issue 4 (31st October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: DeNofrio, Jan C.; Verma, Manisha; Kosinski, Andrzej S.; Navarro, Victor; Taddei, Tamar H.; Volk, Michael L.; Bakitas, Marie; Ramchandran, Kavitha
• Is Part Of: Hepatology communications. Volume 6:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 920
• Page End: 930
• Publication Date: 2021-10-31
• Subjects: Hepatology -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Liver Diseases; Gastroenterology; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.36
• DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1849
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2471-254X

Abstract

Abstract : Palliative care (PC) benefits patients with serious illness including end‐stage liver disease (ESLD). As part of a cluster randomized trial, hepatologists were trained to deliver primary palliative care to patients with ESLD using an online course, Palliative Care Always: Hepatology (PCA:Hep). Here we present a multimethod formative evaluation (feasibility, knowledge acquisition, self‐efficacy, and practice patterns) of PCA:Hep. Feasibility was measured by completion of coursework and achieving a course grade of >80%. Knowledge acquisition was measured through assessments before and throughout the course. Pre/post‐course surveys were conducted to determine self‐efficacy and practice patterns. The hepatologists (n = 39) enrolled in a 12‐week online course and spent 1‐3 hours on the course weekly. The course was determined to be feasible as 97% successfully completed the course and 100% passed. The course was acceptable to participants; 91.7 % reported a positive course experience and satisfaction with knowledge gained (91.6%). The pre/post knowledge assessment showed an improvement of 6.0% (pre 85.9% to post 91.9%, 95% CI [2.8, 9.2], P = 0.001). Self‐efficacy increased significantly ( P < 0.001) in psychological symptom management, hospice, and psychosocial support. A year after training, over 80% of the hepatologists reported integrating a variety of PC skills into routine patient care. Conclusion: PCA:Hep is feasible, acceptable, and improves learner knowledge and confidence in palliative care skills. This is a viable method to teach primary PC skills to specialists caring for patients with ESLD. Abstract : image