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SAGE Palliative Medicine & Chronic Care


Jul 18, 2017

This episode features Professor Liz Forbat (Australian Catholic University, Canberra, ACT, Australia) and Rachel Bilton-Simek (Calvary Public Hospital Bruce, Canberra, ACT, Australia). Together they describe a Single-arm mixed-method feasibility proof-of-concept trial which aimed to design and test an innovative distance-learning educational package (PrECEPt: PalliativE Caregivers Education Package).

The study determined that distance learning is acceptable and feasible for both caregivers and healthcare professionals. Two modules were developed and tested (nutrition/hydration and pain management) with 18 caregivers. The materials did not have a statistically significant impact on carer self-efficacy. However, statistically significant improvements were observed on the two subsidiary measures of (1) caregiving tasks, consequences and needs (p = 0.03, confidence interval: 0.72, 9.4) and (2) caregiver preparedness (p = 0.001, confidence interval: −1.22, −0.46). 

In conclusion the findings demonstrates education improves caregiver preparedness and is a feasible and acceptable approach. Full paper available from: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0269216317712849