Online end of life nursing education - Phase 2

Funding body: External grant from Genesis Oncology Trust and internal support from the Nurse Maude Hospice Palliative care service, Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology and the Institute.

Project description: This project will further develop online education for registered nurses on assessment and symptom management in care of the dying using an online learning management system. The introduction of the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) into aged care facilities has stimulated the need for more generalist palliative care education for nurses. Most nurses receive limited palliative education in their training, so additional education will be vital to the success of the LCP and for improving patient’s quality of care.  However, there are recognised barriers to accessing face-to-face education (e.g. time, cost, staff shortages) which can be addressed by more flexible, accessible online education.  This phase of the project is being undertaken as a joint venture with the Nursing and Human Services, Faculty of Health, Humanities and Science, Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology.

Project update: this phase commenced in November 2010 with the planning and development of three further courses: 'Challenges in chronic illness', 'managing respiratory symptoms' 'Cultural perspectives of death and dying'. The courses were offered in 2011 and 2012 and over 40 nurses have completed them. An evaluation process is underway.

Further information:  Project manager – Jackie Walker, Research Nurse, NZICHC

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