Improving end of life care Sue Cole, Staff Tutor Chris Kubiak, Lecturer The Open University

Improving end of life care

Sue Cole, Staff Tutor

Chris Kubiak, Lecturer

The Open University

Introduction

• Death and dying: an educational approach to improving aspects of end of life care

• The module is mapped to the EoLC competences

• Available since 2009, sponsored students 2010• Four blocks, each with a specific focus• End of life care certificate• Transforming care short courses

Module evaluation

• On completion of the module• Designed to explore the impact on practice, including the

competences• Electronic questionnaire and follow-up telephone interviews• Provide quantitative and qualitative data• Report drawing together the findings

Outcomes ~ 1

• Identified benefits: Communication

“Since taking the course I start a conversation much sooner and have the confidence to take it where the patient wants to go.”

Assessment and care planning “I never used to think about planning but now I follow the

procedures and preparation especially if I see signs and symptoms of a patient changing. Prior to the course it was mainly crisis management but now there is more planning.”

Outcomes ~ 2 Symptom management

“It has made a massive difference to managing symptoms and we now have drugs available in the building for out of hours and arrange a GP visit if needed.”

Advanced care planning “I am more likely to begin discussion earlier to establish

wishes and record them using the Preferred Priorities of Care document.”

Overarching values and knowledge “We used to put a cross and a bible and flowers on/near

people who had died. Now we would not automatically do this, it would depend on their religion and if they were practising.”

The future

• Responding to different practitioner and employer needs

• 40 hour short courses• Fully online• Non-accredited• Self-directed • Responsive and contemporary

Improving end-of-life care

Underpinning theory and reflection

Examining practice and service user experience

Self quiz, action planning and statement of participation

Further information

Google:• K260 Death and dying• KG001 Improving end of life care

• Sue Cole: S.Cole@open.ac.uk • Chris Kubiak: Chris.Kubiak@open.ac.uk