An overview of the ACE Project-advocating for clinical excellence: transdisciplinary palliative care education.
BACKGROUND
Excellence in palliative care demands attention to the multidimensional aspects of patient and family suffering, yet too few psycho-oncology professionals report adequate preparation in this vital area.


METHODS
A total of 148 competitively selected psychologists, social workers, and spiritual care professionals participated in intensive educational courses to enhance their palliative care delivery, leadership, and advocacy skills. Extensive process and outcome evaluations measured the effectiveness of this educational program.


RESULTS
To date, 2 national courses have been completed. The courses received strong overall evaluations, with participants rating increased confidence in defined palliative care skills.


CONCLUSIONS
The initial results of this innovative National Cancer Institute-funded transdisciplinary training for psycho-oncology professionals affirm the need and feasibility of the program. See the Advocating for Clinical Excellence Project Web site (www.cityofhope.org/ACEproject) for additional course information.
Otis-Green
Shirley
S
City of Hope/Beckman Research Institute, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte CA 91010-3000, USA. sotis-green@coh.org
Ferrell
Betty
B
Spolum
Maren
M
Uman
Gwen
G
Mullan
Patricia
P
Baird
Reverend Pamela
RP
Grant
Marcia
M
D004517:Education, Professional; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012947:Social Work / Q000193:education*; D029181:Spirituality; D014838:Volunteers / Q000193:education*