P-43 Developing a positive palliative care research culture with a bespoke online inter-professional research teaching programme

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Palliative Medicine is increasingly developing as an evidence-based specialty. However, research experience during training is not uniform for all disciplines involved. In a tertiary referral Cancer centre, palliative care clinical staff (N=30) reported a lack of confidence in the language and understanding of research and critical appraisal, inhibiting research engagement. <h3>Aim</h3> To create a bespoke research teaching skills course which builds confidence and capacity in a multi-disciplinary team thereby fostering a positive research culture. <h3>Method</h3> A virtual programme was developed with 10 live sessions which were recorded for offline access. The programme was based on learners’ needs and included terminology, audit vs. research, statistics, quantitative vs. qualitative and how to appraise research papers. It employed a range of teaching aids including interactive quizzes and games. Responses from pre- and post-programme questionnaires plus individual session feedback were compared to assess changes in confidence and enthusiasm for research engagement. <h3>Results</h3> The pre-course survey highlighted a lack of confidence. On a scale of 1–10 (10 most confident), scores ≤5 were reported for 50% of staff regarding research methods and evaluating journal articles, 60% for research language and 70% for statistics. Feedback for individual sessions demonstrated improved confidence, with 85% reporting this for statistics. The post-course survey highlighted a global improvement in confidence and knowledge with 100% of respondents rating the course a minimum of 8/10. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This research teaching programme has improved confidence and encouraged a more positive research culture amongst clinical staff, opening doors for further research and education opportunities.