Implementing spiritual care education into the teaching of palliative medicine: an outcome evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The concept of "total pain" plays an important role in palliative care; it means that pain is not solely experienced on a physical level, but also within a psychological, social and spiritual dimension. Understanding what spirituality entails, however, is a challenge for health care professionals, as is screening for the spiritual needs of patients. OBJECTIVE: This is a novel, interprofessional approach in teaching undergraduate medical students about spiritual care in the format of a seminar. The aim of this study is to assess if an increase in knowledge about spiritual care in the clinical context is achievable with this format. METHODS: In a mandatory seminar within the palliative care curriculum at our university, both a physician and a hospital chaplain teach strategies in symptom control from different perspectives (somatic domain - spiritual domain). For evaluation purposes of the content taught on the spiritual domain, we conducted a questionnaire consisting of two parts: specific outcome evaluation making use of the comparative self-assessment (CSA) gain and overall perception of the seminar using Likert scale. RESULTS: In total, 52 students participated. Regarding specific outcome evaluation, the greatest gain was achieved in the ability to define total pain (84.8%) and in realizing its relevance in clinical settings (77.4%). The lowest, but still fairly high improvement was achieved in the ability to identify patients who might benefit from spiritual counselling (60.9%). The learning benefits were all significant as confirmed by confidence intervals. Overall, students were satisfied with the structure of the seminar. The content was delivered clearly and comprehensibly reaching a mean score of 4.3 on Likert scale (4 = agree). The content was perceived as overall relevant to the later work in medicine (mean 4.3). Most students do not opt for a seminar solely revolving around spiritual care (mean 2.6). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that implementing spiritual care education following an interprofessional approach into existing medical curricula, e.g. palliative medicine, is feasible and well perceived among medical students. Students do not wish for a seminar which solely revolves around spiritual care but prefer a close link to clinical practice and strategies.

The employment of art therapy to develop empathy and foster wellbeing for junior doctors in a palliative medicine rotation - a qualitative exploratory study on acceptability.

BACKGROUND: The interdisciplinary realm of medical humanities explores narratives and experiences that can enhance medical education for physicians through perspective-taking and reflective practice. However, there is a gap in comprehension regarding its appropriateness at the postgraduate level, especially when utilising art therapists as faculty. This study aims to assess the acceptability of an innovative art therapy-focused educational initiative among junior doctors during a palliative care rotation, with the goal of cultivating empathy and promoting well-being. METHODS: A qualitative research project was conducted at the Division of Supportive and Palliative Care (DSPC) in the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). The study involved the recruitment of junior doctors who had successfully completed a three-month palliative care rotation program, spanning from January 2020 to April 2021. In a single small-group session lasting 1.5 h, with 3 to 4 participants each time, the individuals participated in activities such as collage making, group reflection, and sharing of artistic creations. These sessions were facilitated by an accredited art therapist and a clinical psychologist, focusing on themes related to empathy and wellbeing. To assess the acceptability of the program, two individual interviews were conducted three months apart with each participant. An independent research assistant utilised a semi-structured question guide that considered affective attitude, burden, perceived effectiveness, coherence, and self-efficacy. Thematic analysis of the transcribed data was then employed to scrutinise the participants' experiences. RESULTS: A total of 20 individual interviews were completed with 11 participants. The three themes identified were lack of pre-existing knowledge of the humanities, promotors, and barriers to program acceptability. CONCLUSIONS: The participants have mixed perceptions of the program's acceptability. While all completed the program in its entirety, the acceptability of the program is impeded by wider systemic factors such as service and manpower needs. It is vital to address these structural limitations as failing to do so risks skewing current ambivalence towards outright rejection of future endeavours to integrate humanities programs into medical education.

Integrating Hospice and Palliative Medicine Education Within the American Board of Emergency Medicine Model.

Background: Hospice and palliative medicine (HPM) is a board-certified subspecialty within emergency medicine (EM), but prior studies have shown that EM residents do not receive sufficient training in HPM. Experts in HPM-EM created a consensus list of competencies for HPM training in EM residency. We evaluated how the HPM competencies integrate within the American Board of Emergency Medicine Milestones, which include the Model of the Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine (EM Model) and the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) list. Methods: Three emergency physicians independently mapped the HPM-EM competencies onto the 2019 EM Model items and the 2021 KSAs. Discrepancies were resolved by a fourth independent reviewer, and the final mapping was reviewed by all team members. Results: The EM Model included 78% (18/23) of the HPM competencies as a direct match, and we identified recommended areas for incorporating the other five. The KSAs included 43% (10/23). Most HPM competencies included in the KSAs mapped onto at least one level B (minimal necessary for competency) KSA. Three HPM competencies were not clearly included in the EM Model or in the KSAs (treating end-of-life symptoms, caring for the imminently dying, and caring for patients under hospice care). Conclusion: The majority of HPM-EM competencies are included in the current EM Model and KSAs and correspond to knowledge needed to be competent in EM. Programs relying on the EM Milestones to plan their curriculums may miss training in symptom management and care for patients at the end of life or who are on hospice.

Novel Integration of a Health Equity Immersion Curriculum in Medical Training.

Health disparities education is an integral and required part of medical professional training, and yet existing curricula often fail to effectively denaturalize injustice or empower learners to advocate for change. We discuss a novel collaborative intervention that weds the health humanities to the field of health equity. We draw from the health humanities an intentional focus retraining provider imaginations by centering patient narratives; from the field of health equity, we draw the linkage between stigmatized social identities and health disparities. We describe a longitudinal health equity curriculum for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship in Memphis, Tennessee, to give trainees exposure to the concept of structural violence and how it affects clinical care. The curriculum was developed in partnership with humanities and social sciences faculty who staff a Health Equity academic program at a small liberal arts college in Memphis. This curriculum has been implemented for the past four years in support of 22 hospice and palliative medicine fellows. Group debriefs and a mixed methods survey have revealed widespread and lasting impact towards understanding health equity concepts, enhanced communication and treatment of patients, and empowerment to address the broader needs and policies affecting patients and the communities in which they live. Ultimately, we model an educational initiative that integrates equity across the full scope of healthcare practice and equips learners with skills for sustaining compassionate practices, focusing on equity-oriented, person-centered care across the full scope of healthcare practice.

US Medicare Hospice and Palliative Medicine Physician Workforce and Service Delivery in 2008-2020.

CONTEXT: Despite clinical benefits of early palliative care, little is known about Medicare physician workforce specialized in Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) and their service delivery settings. OBJECTIVES: To examine changes in Medicare HPM physician workforce and their service delivery settings in 2008-2020. METHODS: Using the Medicare Data on Provider Practice and Specialty from 2008 to 2020, we identified 2375 unique Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) physicians (15,565 physician-year observations) with self-reported specialty in "Palliative Care and Hospice". We examined changes in the annual number of HPM physicians, average number of Medicare services overall and by care setting, total number of Medicare FFS beneficiaries, and total Medicare allowed charges billed by the physician. RESULTS: The number of Medicare HPM physicians increased 2.32 times from 771 in 2008 to 1790 in 2020. The percent of HPM physicians practicing in metropolitan areas increased from 90% to 96% in 2008-2020. Faster growth was also observed in female physicians (52.4% to 60.1%). Between 2008 and 2020, we observed decreased average annual Medicare FFS beneficiaries (170 to 123), number of FFS services (467 to 335), and Medicare allowed charges billed by the physician ($47,230 to $37,323). The share of palliative care delivered in inpatient settings increased from 47% to 68% in 2008-2020; whereas the share of services delivered in outpatient settings decreased from 37% to 19%. CONCLUSION: Despite growth in Medicare HPM physician workforce, access is disproportionately concentrated in metropolitan and inpatient settings. This may limit receipt of early outpatient specialized palliative care, especially in nonmetropolitan areas.

Terminological Confusion About Sedation in Palliative Care: Results of an International Online Vignette Survey.

Background: Terminological problems concerning sedation in palliative care and consequences for research and clinical decision making have been reported frequently. Objectives: To gather data on the application of definitions of sedation practices in palliative care to clinical cases and to analyze implications for high-quality definitions. Design: We conducted an online survey with a convenience sample of international experts involved in the development of guidelines on sedation in palliative care and members of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC). Participants were asked to apply four published definitions to four case vignettes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 32 experts and 271 EAPC members completed the survey. The definitions were applied correctly in n = 2200/4848 cases (45.4%). The mean number of correct applications of the definitions (4 points max.) was 2.2 ± 1.14 for the definition of the SedPall study group, 1.8 ± 1.03 for the EAPC definition, 1.7 ± 0.98 for the definition of the Norwegian Medical Association, and 1.6 ± 1.01 for the definition of the Japanese Society of Palliative Medicine. The rate of correct applications for the 16 vignette-definition pairs varied between 70/303 (23.1%) and 227/303 (74.9%). The content of definitions and vignettes together with free-text comments explains participants' decisions and misunderstandings. Conclusions: Definitions of sedation in palliative care are frequently incorrectly applied to clinical case scenarios under simplified conditions. This suggests that clinical communication and research might be negatively influenced by misunderstandings and inconsistent labeling or reporting of data. Clinical Trial Registration Number: DRKS00015047.

Palliative Medicine Fellows' Discussions, Perceptions, and Training Regarding Medical Cannabis.

CONTEXT: Medical cannabis is increasingly considered for palliation of pain, nausea/vomiting, anorexia, and other symptoms. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine whether training in hospice and palliative medicine (HPM) adequately prepares fellows to counsel patients about medical cannabis. METHODS: A previously validated questionnaire was adapted for HPM fellows. Domains included fellows' practices recommending cannabis and their knowledge of its effectiveness and risks compared with standard treatments. U.S. HPM fellowships were sent surveys in 2022 and 2023. RESULTS: Forty six programs participated, 123 fellows responded (response rate of 42%) including 69% female; 55% White, and 28% Asian. Of respondents, 65% reported receiving formal training regarding medical cannabis; 57% reported discussing medical cannabis with over five patients; 23% recommended medical cannabis to more than five patients in the preceding year. Only 19%, however, felt sufficiently informed to issue cannabis-related recommendations. HPM fellows with prior training were not more likely to feel sufficiently informed to discuss cannabis (RR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.82-1.66) or to recommend cannabis to patients (RR: 2.05, 95% CI: 0.89-4.71). Fellows rate cannabis as equally or more effective than conventional treatments for the following symptoms: anorexia/cachexia (63%), nausea/vomiting (43%), pain (25%), and neuropathic pain (21%). CONCLUSION: Most HPM fellows report formal training in the use of medical cannabis. Over half of trainees reported discussing medical cannabis with patients, but few considered themselves sufficiently informed to make cannabis-related clinical recommendations. These results suggest both a need for expanded high-quality evidence for medical cannabis in palliative care and for improved formal education for HPM fellows.

Percepción sobre la formación en cuidados paliativos de los estudiantes de las especializaciones de Cirugía general en Colombia / Perception of palliative care training among students of General Surgery specializations in Colombia

Introducción. Los cuidados paliativos responden al sufrimiento de pacientes terminales y requieren personal entrenado para la intervención. Forman parte de la actividad en cirugía, sin embargo, no encontramos información sobre la educación de postgrado en cirugía en Colombia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el nivel de conocimientos en cuidados paliativos, la calidad de la formación y las estrategias pedagógicas en los residentes. Métodos. Estudio observacional con recolección de la información autodiligenciada por medio electrónico. Resultados. Participaron 228 residentes, 7,8 % mencionaron asistir a rotación en cuidado paliativo y 66,6 % tener contacto con especialistas en cuidados paliativos. El 30,7 % no identificó una estrategia pedagógica clara. El 29,3 % tuvo alto nivel de conocimiento y 21,1 % adecuada calidad de formación. El 83,8 % tuvo un alto nivel en el manejo de obstrucción intestinal. No hubo asociación entre el nivel de conocimiento y las variables evaluadas (p>0,05). Conclusiones. Ni el aprendizaje recibido, ni el año de entrenamiento tuvieron efecto en el nivel percibido de conocimiento. Las competencias en cuidados paliativos, sus métodos y la calidad del aprendizaje son deficientes a nivel de postgrado en cirugía en Colombia. Probablemente está en un currículo oculto. Es necesario implementar estrategias pedagógicas en los currículos de estudios de los programas de formación de cirujanos.

Introduction. Palliative care responds to the suffering of terminal patients and requires trained personnel for intervention. They are part of the activity in surgery; however, we did not find information about postgraduate education in surgery in Colombia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge in palliative care, the quality of training and pedagogical strategies in residents. Methods. Observational study with self-completed information collection by electronic means. Results. A total of 228 residents participated, 7.8% mentioned a palliative care rotation and 66.6% mentioned having contact with palliative care specialists; 30.7% did not identify a clear pedagogical strategy; 29.3% had a high level of knowledge and 21.1% had adequate quality of training; 83.8% had a high level in the management of intestinal obstruction. There was no association between the level of knowledge and the variables evaluated (p>0.05). Conclusions. Neither the learning received nor the year of training had an effect on the perceived level of knowledge. Competencies in palliative care, its methods and the quality of learning are deficient at the postgraduate level in surgery in Colombia. It is probably on a hidden resume. It is necessary to implement pedagogical strategies in the study curricula of surgeon training programs.

Dexmedetomidine and clonidine in palliative medicine: multicentric qualitative evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: Alpha-2 agonists have analgesic and sedative properties that can prove interesting in palliative care. The main objective of this study was to describe the use of clonidine and dexmedetomidine in palliative care units (PCU). The secondary objective was to identify physicians' perspectives and attitudes toward alpha-2-agonists. METHODS: International multicentric qualitative survey of prescribing characteristics and attitudes towards alpha-2 agonist. All 159 PCUs in France, Belgium and French-speaking Switzerland were contacted, and 142 physicians answered the questionnaire (31% participation). RESULTS: 20% of the practitioners surveyed prescribe these molecules are mainly for analgesic and sedative indications. There was considerable heterogeneity in the modalities and dosages of administration. The use of clonidine is more frequent and common in Belgium, while dexmedetomidine is only used in France. There is a high level of satisfaction among practitioners who use these molecules, with the desire of the majority of respondents to obtain additional studies and information on alpha-2-agonists. CONCLUSION: Alpha-2 agonists are little known and little prescribed by French-speaking palliative care physicians but are of interest because of their potential in this field. Phase 3 studies could justify the use of these molecules in palliative situations and would contribute to harmonising professional practices.

Qualified and motivated, but limited by specialty-specific barriers: a national survey of UK Palliative Medicine consultants research experience.

OBJECTIVES: Providing high-quality safe palliative care requires high-quality clinically driven research. Little is known about how to optimise clinical research capacity in this field.To understand interest and capacity to conduct clinical research in palliative medicine and identify key facilitators and barriers, by surveying palliative medicine consultants and academic trainees. METHODS: National online survey exploring experience in conducting research, including facilitators and barriers. Sent to all current UK palliative medicine consultants, and previous/current academic trainees. Descriptive statistics are reported with framework analysis of free text responses. RESULTS: 195 surveys were submitted including 15 respondents with Integrated Academic Training (IAT) experience. 78% (n=140/180) of consultants were interested in conducting research. Despite this enthusiasm, 83% had no allocated time within their job plan. 88% of those who undertook IAT would recommend IAT, but 60% reported difficulty transitioning from academic trainee to research active consultant.Barriers to research included; insufficient research culture and integration, with small teams working in a mixture of National Health Service (NHS) and non-NHS settings, leading to isolated, silo working. Even those who had undertaken IAT, felt a 'cliff edge' in opportunities after completing IAT. Filling service gaps was routinely prioritised over research activity. CONCLUSION: Palliative medicine consultants, including those who have completed academic training want to conduct research but overwhelming barriers limit activity. A palliative care-specific strategy that permeates different palliative care settings, promotes interspecialty collaboration and improves the current infrastructure for palliative care research to maximise gains from IAT and embed a research culture are suggested.

Clinical pharmacist in oncology palliative medicine: drug compliance and patient adherence.

OBJECTIVES: Most patients in palliative oncology care are polymorbid and thus treated with multiple drugs. The therapeutic effect and safety of these drugs can be compromised by drug/drug interactions, but also by wider problems such as polypharmacy and compliance. The clinical pharmacist is, therefore, responsible for risk analysis and prevention. Our prospective open label non-randomised clinical study evaluated the importance of a clinical pharmacist in the palliative care team. METHODS: A total of 250 outpatients were included in the clinical study: 126 women (50.4%) and 124 men (49.6%), with a mean age of 71 years (range 21-94 years; SD 11.9). The patients had the performance status scale 0-3 [Formula: see text]. Clinical examinations were performed on a monthly basis (n=509 check-up visits). The clinical pharmacist prepared an educational chart for all medications used after each visit and evaluated any drug-related problems. Follow-up was 6 months. RESULTS: This study found a significant association between drug related-problems and polypharmacy (p<0.001). A low risk of drug-rfelated problems was observed during the initial visit, that is, 68 female (27.2%) and 25 male (10.4%) patients. A greater clinical-pharmaceutical risk was observed among the patients taking antihypertensive drugs (p=0.003) and/or beta blockers (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: This study confirms the essential role of a clinical pharmacist in oncology palliative care. The feedback obtained from the patients showed a notable improvement in their quality of life. Further, this clinical study confirmed the need for a personalised approach in palliative oncology care.

Palliative Medicine and End of Life Care Between Races in an Academic Intensive Care Unit.

Background: Although palliative medicine (PM) is more commonly being integrated into the intensive care unit (ICU), research on racial disparities in this area is lacking. Our objectives were to (a) identify racial disparities in utilization of PM consultation for patients who received ICU care and (b) determine if there were differences in the use of code status or PM consultation over time based on race. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 571 patients, 18 years and above, at a tertiary care institution who received ICU care and died during their hospital stay. We analyzed two timeframes, 2008-2009 and 2018-2019. Univariate analysis was utilized to evaluate baseline characteristics. A multivariate logistic regression model and interaction P values were employed to assess for differential use of PM consultation, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, and comfort care (CC) orders between races in aggregate and for changes over time. Results: There was a notable increase in Black/African-American (AA) (54% to 61%) and Hispanic/Latino (2% to 3%) patients over time in our population. Compared to White patients, we found no differences between PM consultation and CC orders. There was a lower probability of DNR orders for Black/AA (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.569; P = .049; confidence interval [CI]: 0.324-0.997) and other/unknown/multiracial patients (aOR: 0.389; P = .273; CI: 0.169-0.900). Comparing our earlier time period to the later time period, we found an increased usage of PM for all patients. Interaction P values suggest there were no differences between races regarding PM, DNR, and CC orders. Conclusions: PM use has increased over time at our institution. Contrary to the previous literature, there were no differences in the frequency of utilization of PM consultation between races. Further analysis to evaluate the usage of PM in the ICU setting in varying populations and geographic locations is warranted.

Something Lost and Something Gained: Navigating the Bedside Teaching Role as a Hospice and Palliative Medicine Educator.

Hospice and palliative medicine (HPM) educators must often give up the satisfaction of working one-on-one with patients, to allow learners the opportunity to practice key communication skills and form their own therapeutic bonds with patients. Though the loss of that primary relationship with patients may feel challenging, educators may find new opportunity for professional impact and satisfaction by investing in their relationship with learners. This case discussion explores the challenges of bedside teaching in HPM, including the educator's looser connection with patients, need to withhold their own communication skills, and decision of when to interject into a trainee-patient conversation. We then propose strategies to help educators find renewed professional fulfillment in the teacher-learner relationship. By partnering intentionally with learners before, during, and after shared visits, inviting informal reflection between encounters, and preserving independent clinical time, we believe educators may cultivate a more sustainable and meaningful clinical teaching practice.