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Gonella S, Di Giulio P, Riva-Rovedda F, Stella L, Rivolta MM, Malinverni E, Paleologo M, Di Vella G, Dimonte V. Supporting health and social care professionals in serious illness conversations: Development, validation, and preliminary evaluation of an educational booklet. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304180. [PMID: 38820471 PMCID: PMC11142603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Serious illness conversations aim to align the care process with the goals and preferences of adult patients suffering from any advanced disease. They represent a challenge for healthcare professionals and require specific skills. Conversation guides consistent with task-centered instructional strategies may be particularly helpful to improve the quality of communication. This study aims to develop, validate, and preliminarily evaluate an educational booklet to support Italian social and healthcare professionals in serious illness conversations. A three-step approach, including development, validation, and evaluation, was followed. A co-creation process with meaningful stakeholders led to the development of the booklet, validated by 15 experts on clarity, completeness, coherence, and relevance. It underwent testing on readability (Gulpease index, 0 = lowest-100 = maximum) and design (Baker Able Leaflet Design criteria, 0 = worst to 32 = best). Twenty-two professionals with different scope of practice and care settings evaluated acceptability (acceptable if score ≥30), usefulness, feasibility to use (1 = not at all to 10 = extremely), and perceived acquired knowledge (1 = not at all to 5 = extremely). After four rounds of adjustments, the booklet scored 97% for relevance, 60 for readability, and 25/32 for design. In all, 18 (81.8%), 19 (86.4%) and 17 (77.3%) professionals deemed the booklet acceptable, moderate to highly useful, and feasible to use, respectively; 18/22 perceived gain in knowledge and all would recommend it to colleagues. The booklet has good readability, excellent design, high content validity, and a high degree of perceived usefulness and acquired knowledge. The booklet is tailored to users' priorities, mirrors their most frequent daily practice challenges, and offers 1-minute, 2-minute and 5-minute solutions for each scenario. The co-creation process ensured the development of an educational resource that could be useful regardless of the scope of practice and the care setting to support professionals in serious illness conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- City of Health and Science University Hospital Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Stella
- Fondazione Assistenza e Ricerca Oncologica (F.A.R.O.), Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Mario Paleologo
- City of Health and Science University Hospital Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Di Vella
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- City of Health and Science University Hospital Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
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Gonella S, Di Giulio P, Brofferio L, Riva-Rovedda F, Cotogni P, Dimonte V. Stakeholders' Perspective on the Key Features of Printed Educational Resources to Improve the Quality of Clinical Communication. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:398. [PMID: 38338287 PMCID: PMC10855175 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12030398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Social and healthcare professionals often feel ill equipped to effectively engage in difficult conversations with patients, and poor proficiency negatively affects the quality of patient care. Printed educational resources (PERs) that provide guidance on sustaining complex clinical communication may be a source of support if thoughtfully designed. This study aimed to describe the key features of PERs in order to improve the quality of clinical communication according to the perspective of meaningful stakeholders. This was a descriptive secondary analysis of data collected by three remote focus group discussions that involved 15 stakeholders in the context of developing an educational booklet to support professionals in complex communication scenarios. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and an inductive thematic analysis was performed. Three key features of PERs that aim toward quality improvement in clinical communication were identified: (1) having the potential to provide benefits in clinical practice; (2) facilitating, encouraging, and enticing reading; and (3) meeting the need of professionals to improve or update their knowledge. These findings suggest that PERs relevant to professionals' clinical priorities and learning needs may make their efforts to apply learning in practice more likely and consequently result in improved healthcare quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Direction of Health Professions, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Torino, Bramante Avenue 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Santena Street 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy; (P.D.G.); (L.B.); (V.D.)
| | - Ludovica Brofferio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Santena Street 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy; (P.D.G.); (L.B.); (V.D.)
| | - Federica Riva-Rovedda
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Santena Street 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy; (P.D.G.); (L.B.); (V.D.)
| | - Paolo Cotogni
- Pain Management and Palliative Care, Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Turin, University of Torino, Bramante Avenue 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Direction of Health Professions, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Torino, Bramante Avenue 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Santena Street 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy; (P.D.G.); (L.B.); (V.D.)
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Spacey A, Heaslip V, Szczepura K. Understanding experiences of the radiography workforce delivering medical imaging as part of patients' end of life care: An exploratory qualitative interview study. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:132-140. [PMID: 37924722 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People nearing the end of life often require medical imaging in hospitals to manage symptoms and care, despite this little is known about the experiences of those delivering it. The aim of this study is therefore to explore the experiences of the radiography workforce delivering medical imaging as part of patients' end-of-life care. METHOD Qualitative design using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. A total of 8 participants participated in the study including registered diagnostic radiographers (n = 5), imaging assistants (n = 2) and assistant practitioners (n = 1). All have been involved in the medical imaging of patients receiving end of life care in UK hospitals. RESULTS Findings identified an absence of end of life care policy guidance and education accessible to radiography staff, limiting their ability to provide evidenced based care for those nearing the end of life during medical imaging examinations. Findings also suggest difficulty in identifying patients receiving end of life care further hindered staffs' ability to adapt their care to provide a more person-centred approach. Lastly, the workforce felt an accumulative emotional burden following their interactions with patients nearing the end of life. CONCLUSION There is a clear need to develop policy and education to support the radiography workforce to ensure care is appropriately identified and adapted to those nearing the end of life. Furthermore, staff support and wellbeing needs to be considered. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Future research is required exploring the patient perspective to understand their experiences so that the education and practice provision is driven by patient need. International exploration of end of life care in medical imaging is recommended to explore whether similar challenges related to clinical practice exist in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Spacey
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, UK.
| | - V Heaslip
- Directorate of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Salford, UK.
| | - K Szczepura
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, UK.
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Inokuchi R, Hanari K, Shimada K, Iwagami M, Sakamoto A, Sun Y, Mayers T, Sugiyama T, Tamiya N. Barriers to and facilitators of advance care planning implementation for medical staff after the COVID-19 pandemic: an overview of reviews. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075969. [PMID: 37816562 PMCID: PMC10565150 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the capacity for advance care planning (ACP) among patients, families and healthcare teams. We sought to identify and review the barriers to and facilitators of ACP implementation for medical staff in different settings (eg, hospitals, outpatient palliative care, nursing and care homes) during the pandemic. DESIGN This study employed an overview of reviews design. We searched the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Web of Science and Embase databases for studies published between 8 December 2019 and 30 July 2023. We used AMSTAR 2 to assess the risk of bias. RESULTS We included seven reviews. Common barriers to ACP implementation included visitation restrictions, limited resources and personnel and a lack of coordination among healthcare professionals. In care and nursing homes, barriers included a dearth of palliative care physicians and the psychological burden on facility staff. Using telemedicine for information sharing was a common facilitator across settings. In hospitals, facilitators included short-term training in palliative care and palliative care physicians joining the acute care team. In care and nursing homes, facilitators included ACP education and emotional support for staff. CONCLUSIONS Visitation restrictions and limited resources during the pandemic posed obstacles; however, the implementation of ACP was further hindered by insufficient staff education on ACP in hospitals and facilities, as well as a scarcity of information sharing at the community level. These pre-existing issues were magnified by the pandemic, drawing attention to their significance. Short-term staff training programmes and immediate information sharing could better enable ACP. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022351362.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Inokuchi
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kyoko Hanari
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Hinohara Memorial Peace House Hospital, Nakai, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kensuke Shimada
- Department of Health Services Research, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masao Iwagami
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ayaka Sakamoto
- Department of Health Services Research, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Thomas Mayers
- Medical English Communications Center, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takehiro Sugiyama
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Diabetes and Metabolism Information Center, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nanako Tamiya
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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Plagg B, Ballmann J, Ewers M. Hospice and Palliative Care during Disasters: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2382. [PMID: 37685416 PMCID: PMC10486474 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11172382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Providing and maintaining hospice and palliative care during disasters poses significant challenges. To understand the impact of disasters on the provision of hospice and palliative care and the disaster preparedness initiatives in the field, a systematic review was undertaken. Eligibility criteria for the selection of studies were: peer-reviewed original research papers addressing HPC during disasters published between January 2001 and February 2023 in English. The databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles, and SocINDEX were searched with textword and MeSh-terms between October 2022 and February 2023. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality of the studies. Content analysis was performed. The results are presented in the form of a narrative synthesis. Of 2581 studies identified, 57 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were published recently on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Four main themes were identified in the literature: disruption of the system, setting-specific differences, emotional challenges, and system adaptation. Overall, strategies to tackle hospice and palliative care needs have been poorly integrated in disaster preparedness planning. Our findings highlight the need to strengthen the resilience of hospice and palliative care providers to all types of disasters to maintain care standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Plagg
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, 13353 Berlin, Germany (M.E.)
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, College of Health Care Professions–Claudiana, Lorenz-Böhler-Straße 13, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Julia Ballmann
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, 13353 Berlin, Germany (M.E.)
| | - Michael Ewers
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, 13353 Berlin, Germany (M.E.)
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Gonella S, Cornally N, Antal A, Tambone S, Martin P, Dimonte V, Di Giulio P. Family caregivers' experience of communication with nursing home staff from admission to end of life during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study employing a transitional perspective. Palliat Support Care 2023:1-12. [PMID: 36847131 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523000019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Family caregivers' (FCs) caregiving in nursing home (NH) moves across 3 main phases: transitioning relatives to long-term care, worsening of a relative's conditions, and end of life; each phase brings specific challenges that FCs must confront. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, strict mandatory visitor restrictions affected communication modalities. This study explored FCs' experience of communication with NH staff during the COVID-19 pandemic from admission to end of life. METHODS A descriptive qualitative study with inductive content analysis was performed in 7 Italian NHs from May to June 2021. NH managers purposively identified 25 FCs at different phases of their caregiving trajectory: transitional (i.e., admission in the previous 8 weeks, n = 8), deterioration-in-condition (i.e., acknowledged changes in care needs of their relative after trigger events, n = 10), and end-of-life phase (i.e., death expected in the next weeks or a few months, n = 7), who were interviewed. RESULTS Regardless the phase of caregiving trajectory, what mattered most to FCs was the opportunity to have regular and sensitive discussions with health-care professionals. The need of in-person communication increased nearing death. The COVID-19 pandemic enhanced FCs' need to interact with health-care professionals they trusted. Knowledge of residents' preferences mitigated FCs' turbulent emotions throughout the overall caregiving trajectory. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Findings suggest that in-person contacts should be prioritized and facilitated when possible, particularly at the end of life; nonetheless, meaningful communication can occur also through remote modalities. Investments in training health-care professionals about effective long-distance communication and supportive skills can help trusting relationships to be established. Open discussions about residents' care preferences should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Direction of Health Professions, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Nicola Cornally
- Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alexandra Antal
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Sara Tambone
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Peter Martin
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Direction of Health Professions, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Gonella S, Conti A, Albanesi B, Antal A, Dimonte V, Di Giulio P. Lived experiences of end-of-life communication among nursing home staff: An interpretive phenomenological study. J Adv Nurs 2023; 79:698-710. [PMID: 36447384 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To explore and understand lived experiences of end-of-life communication among nursing home staff. DESIGN Interpretive phenomenological study. METHODS In-person, semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted from May to August 2021 with 21 nursing home staff members involved in end-of-life communication (four managers, four chief nurses, three chief medical officers, three nurses, three psychologists, two occupational therapists, one chief nurse aide and one nurse aide). Data were analysed by van Manen's hermeneutic approach, which uses the lifeworld existentials of spatiality, corporeality, temporality and relationality to guide reflection on the human experience. Data were reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. RESULTS Thirteen categories were identified and framed within the four existentials. Regarding spatiality, end-of-life communication took place in a physical, mental, socio-cultural and professional competence space. With regard to corporeality, interviewees reported difficulties in managing their own feelings and those of family caregivers. For temporality, interviewees reported delays in end-of-life communication due to staffing issues and an increase in urgent and temporary relief admissions to nursing homes. To compensate, they tried to assure that all interactions that did take place were of high quality. Finally, with regard to relationality, interviewees lived end-of-life communication through their relationships with family caregivers and colleagues. The supportive role of colleagues was expressed as teamwork, which helped promote reflexivity about how to tailor communication, manage challenging emotions and situations, set aside time for communication, and prepare family caregivers for death. CONCLUSION End-of-life communication was an all-encompassing experience for nursing home staff. The supportive role of colleagues was stressed across all existentials, suggesting that teamwork is essential in delivering effective communication at the end-of-life. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION There was no patient or public contribution to this study, which addresses the experiences of nursing home staff only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessio Conti
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Beatrice Albanesi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Alexandra Antal
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Gonella S, Campagna S, Dimonte V. A Situation-Specific Theory of End-of-Life Communication in Nursing Homes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:869. [PMID: 36613191 PMCID: PMC9820248 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
High-quality end-of-life communication between healthcare professionals (HCPs), patients and/or their family caregivers (FCs) improves quality of life and reduces non-beneficial care at the end of life. Nursing homes (NHs) are among the contexts at the forefront of these conversations. Having a solid theoretical basis for the role of end-of-life communication in NHs in transitioning to palliative-oriented care can offer indications for research, practice, education, and policy related to geropalliative care. This study aimed to develop a situation-specific theory of end-of-life communication in NHs by refining an existing theory. A four-step integrative approach was employed that included: (1) checking the assumptions for theorization; (2) exploring the phenomenon through multiple sources; (3) theorizing; and (4) reporting. All elements of the existing end-of-life communication theory in NHs were confirmed: end-of-life communication improved the understanding of FCs about their relatives' health conditions, shared decision-making, and reflections on the desired preferences of residents/FCs for care at the end of life. Furthermore, the family environment affected the burden of FCs in the decision-making process. Finally, time and resource constraints, regulations, visitation restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and social and cultural values influenced the quality and timing of communication. The study findings confirmed the impact of the political, historical, social, and cultural context on end-of-life communication, thus providing the basis for a situation-specific theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Direction of Health Professions, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Torino, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Campagna
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Direction of Health Professions, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Torino, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Gonella S, Di Giulio P, Berchialla P, Bo M, Cotogni P, Macchi G, Campagna S, Dimonte V. The Impact of Health and Social Care Professionals' Education on the Quality of Serious Illness Conversations in Nursing Homes: Study Protocol of a Quality Improvement Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:725. [PMID: 36613049 PMCID: PMC9819581 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Health and social care professionals (HCPs) who work in nursing homes (NHs) are increasingly required to sustain serious illness conversations about care goals and preferences. Although these conversations may also be challenging for experienced HCPs and the literature recognizes high-quality communication as key to providing patient-centered care, so far, no specific educational program has been developed for the NH setting to improve HCPs' communication skills. Our study aims to test the feasibility and potential effectiveness of an innovative, blended communication skills training program (Teach-to-Communicate) targeting the HCPs who work in NHs. This program includes classroom-based theory, experiential learning, and e-learning, and relies on interdisciplinary contexts and several didactic methods. The study consists of two phases: phase I is the development of written resources that employ focus group discussion involving field experts and external feedback from key stakeholders. Phase II consists of a multicenter, pilot, pre-post study with nested qualitative study. The Teach-to-Communicate training program is expected to enhance the quality of communication in NH and HCPs' confidence in sustaining serious illness conversations, reduce family carers' psycho-emotional burden and improve their satisfaction with the care received, and increase advance care planning documentation. Our protocol will provide insight for future researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers and pave the way for blended educational approaches in the field of communication skills training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gonella
- Direction of Health Professions, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Torino, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Di Giulio
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Berchialla
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Mario Bo
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Turin, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Cotogni
- Pain Management and Palliative Care, Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, University of Torino, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Turin, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgia Macchi
- Pain Management and Palliative Care, Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, University of Torino, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Turin, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Campagna
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Valerio Dimonte
- Direction of Health Professions, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Torino, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Spacey A, Porter S. Understanding advance care planning in care homes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: A critical realist review and synthesis. Palliat Med 2022; 37:663-676. [PMID: 36373288 PMCID: PMC9659704 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221137103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted advance care planning discussions in care homes, particularly discussions involving relatives and surrogate decision makers. There is a need to collate and examine current evidence to assess the extent of the problem. AIM To examine the processes and experiences involved in advance care planning in care homes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN A critical realist review and synthesis. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, psycINFO, SCOPUS and CINAHL were searched between December 2019 and May 2022. RESULTS Eleven studies were included. Communication difficulties associated with remote technologies meant that care home staff's concerns about engaging effectively with relatives further exacerbated the emotional toll of dealing with high death rates in circumstances where staff shortages stretched the capacity of those remaining to provide timely advance care planning discussions. The threat of the pandemic tended to encourage earlier and more frequent advance care planning discussions, though this tendency was partially countervailed by the difficulties that some residents and relatives had in engaging with remote communication modes. There was evidence that education and training in advance care planning increased staff's confidence and readiness to engage in care planning during pandemic conditions. CONCLUSION Results highlight part of the new context facing staff, relatives and residents in care homes, thus providing valuable insight for future intervention development required to maintain and improve the effectiveness of advance care planning in care homes during and beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Spacey
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Salford, UK
| | - Sam Porter
- Department of Social Sciences and Social Work, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
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Beetham B, Fasola C, Howard F. Preferred Place of Death Discussions: Are They Informing and Empowering Patients and their Family Caregivers? OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221115587. [PMID: 35861425 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221115587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Factors influencing preferred place of death (PPoD) are variable between individuals. However, there is little understanding of how these preferences are formed and how consistent they are in the final months of life. In particular, the expectation and responsibility of family caregivers to provide unpaid caregiving support to their dying loved one in the home is often overlooked. There is a need for clinicians to take an individualised approach to PPoD conversations that is inclusive of the needs of both the patient and the family caregiver. More Good Deaths - A Change Programme responds to this gap in care by advancing the skills of clinicians having PPoD conversations with patients and their family caregivers. This paper describes the programme, providing insight into its benefits to advanced care planning and communication, as well as to our newest service - Cottage Hospice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony Beetham
- Hospice in the Weald, Tunbridge Wells, UK
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Faith Howard
- Hospice in the Weald, Tunbridge Wells, UK
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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