title: Evaluating a self-directed palliative care learning package for rural aged care workers: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effectiveness of a self-directed learning package in increasing palliative care knowledge and confidence for aged care workers in Rural New South Wales, Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants piloted a palliative care self-directed learning package and completed pre- and post-package knowledge and confidence questionnaires with a 6-month follow-up. The data was then analysed via paired two-tailed T-tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a statistically significant mean increase in knowledge and confidence after completion of the self-directed learning package. Knowledge but not confidence increases were retained after 6 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Self-directed learning packages can play a part in increasing knowledge and confidence in palliative care for rural aged care workers. Questions remain regarding the role of ongoing support, education, and mentoring.
authors.affiliation: Mercy Health, 550 Poole Street, Albury, 2640 New South Wales, Australia. Steven.Pitman@gsahs.health.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pitman
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D010166:Palliative Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires