title: Palliative approach education for rural nurses and health-care workers: a mixed-method study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this mixed-method study was to evaluate the outcomes of an educational intervention in a palliative approach for rural nurses and health-care workers (HCWs) using a team-based method.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pre- and post-test measures using the Palliative Care Nursing Self-Competence (PCSNC) scale and the Self-Perceived Palliative Care Knowledge instrument were used to evaluate learning outcomes. Participant post-test scores were also compared to normative provincial data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At post-test, HCWs showed statistically significant improvements across 7 of 10 domains in self-perceived competence and 6 of 12 domains in self-perceived knowledge; all scores were equivalent to or better than provincial normative data. Nurses' self-perceived knowledge showed statistically significant improvements in 3 of 12 domains; all post-test scores were equivalent to provincial normative data. Qualitative data indicated improvements in familiarity with the resources available for palliative care and in communication among the nursing team.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An educational intervention can improve the competence and knowledge of rural HCWs and nurses in a palliative approach.
authors: Associate Professor of Nursing, Canada Research Chair in Health, Ethics and Diversity, University of British Columbia.
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Pesut
authors: Gail
authors: G
authors: Potter
authors: Kelli
authors: K
authors: Stajduhar
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Sawatzky
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: McLeod
authors: Karly
authors: K
authors: Drabot
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004506:Education, Nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D019035:Rural Health Services; D020377:Self Efficacy; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: Chronic disease; Home health aides; Hospice and palliative care nursing; Nursing education research; Palliative approach; Rural nursing