Outcomes of an innovative six-week standardized residential training course for physicians and nurses to provide primary palliative care in India.

Abstract

160 Background: The National Program on Palliative Care (NPPC) by the Government of India has emphasized the need for training clinicians in providing palliative care (PC) with minimum of 6 weeks of residential training. However, there are limited studies on feasibility of such standardized training in PC offered to palliative care providers interested in transition to palliative care. Aim: To evaluate the feasibility, and change in the self-reported perception of knowledge in palliative care following a 6 weeks standardized residential training course (SRTC) for physicians and nurses to provide primary PC in India. Methods: A 6 week standardized residential type educational program which combined didactics, and bedside hands on palliative care training by PC specialists in five preselected centers in India. To be eligible licensed physicians and nurses should, (a) qualify in focused interview aimed to evaluate both interest and commitment to provide primary palliative care following the training, (b) Agree to complete all the required surveys. Results: 46/53 (86%) completed the pre and post surveys. 50/53 (94%) participants completed the course and passed the certification exam. Median age (IQR) was 31 (27, 41). 53% were female and 53% were physicians. Median reported knowledge (1-5) for pain, fatigue, delirium, medical ethics were 4,3,2,2.5 before training Vs 5 (P=0.001), 5 (P=0.001), 5 (P=0.001), 5 (P=0.001) after training respectively. All other core areas improved significantly. All participants noted satisfaction with faculty as high (5/5). Conclusions: Conducting a six weeks standardized residential training course in PC for physicians and nurses in India is feasible. There was a significant improvement in self-reported knowledge of all components of palliative care curriculum. Long term impact studies are needed.