Initiating, engaging in and managing end-of-life conversations is challenging and often difficult for health professionals who work in acute hospitals. However, there is still a lack of end-of-life care communication training. Patient-centred communication and shared decision-making is one of the educational online modules developed by End-of-Life Essentials (EOLE) project, focusing on health professionals’ end-of-life care communication skills.  

 

To evaluate the impact of EOLE Communication module learning on health professionals’ knowledge, skills and confidence in end-of-life care communication and shared decision-making, and the impact of module learning on health professionals’ end-of life-care clinical practice. 

 

A within-subject longitudinal study design was employed. Health professionals who were new to EOLE Communication module and currently working with patients were invited to participate in this study. In total, 19 health professionals completed the Communication education module and pre, post and 3-month follow up surveys from Nov 2021 to Sep 2022. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for data analysis.

 

Participants included 14 nurses, 1 doctor and 4 allied health professionals. Repeated measures ANOVA showed the mean scores of knowledge/skills and confidence increased significantly after completion of the Communication module (K/S=7.65±1.39, C=7.64±1.64), and remained at a high level three months later(K/S=7.71±1.34, C=7.87±1.33) , compared to baseline level (K/S=5.59±2.19, C=5.89±2.18) (p<0.01). Responses from 3-month follow up surveys showed that most participants reported that they had changed their practice as a result of the Communication module education(n=14). 

There is a significant improvement of end-of-life care communication and decision-making knowledge/skills and confidence immediately after completion of Communication module and this was sustained after 3 months. Results also demonstrated a positive impact of module education on end-of-life care practice change/s.

EOLE Communication module could be a useful education resource to help health professionals with their end-of- life care communication practice.