Developing and Evidence-Based Palliative Care Curriculum for Neurology Resident Trainees (P6.270)

2016 
Objective: To develop an evidence-based palliative care curriculum designed to provide neurology residents with the general palliative care skills required for providing patient care along the continuum of life. Background: Graduating neurology residents require general palliative care skills. In Canada, there is currently no curriculum designed specifically for neurology residents. Methods: A needs assessment of the palliative skills necessary for a neurology resident was performed. Focus groups were held with physicians, allied health care and senior residents. Semi-structured interviews were held with patients and their caregivers. Interviews analysed using qualitative thematic analysis techniques. A systematic search of the current literature was performed. Further, the Kolb learning style inventory will be used to determine the learning style of neurology residents, which will subsequently inform the type and design of targeted educational modules specific to neurology residents. Results: Qualitative analysis identified 3 overarching challenges for neurology residents: 1) uncertainty regarding disease trajectory in neurology and timing of palliative care discussions; 2) cohesiveness of the health care team regarding end of life issues; 3) the role of the resident in initiating palliative care. General principals identified for inclusion were: symptom management, communication, psychosocial aspects of care, care coordination and access, and myths and pitfalls in palliative care. Additional principals specific to neurological populations included: understanding the trajectory of neurologic disease and how it differs from other medical illness, and discontinuation of non-invasive ventilation among other topics. Conclusions: This project will identify the current best evidence and expert opinion in palliative care neurology. The data will be used to develop a novel Canadian neurological palliative care curriculum. Disclosure: Dr. Yeung Laiwah has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sarpal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schulz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gofton has nothing to disclose.
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