Design: A national educational curriculum for nurses in pediatric palliative care was developed and tested over 2001 – 2003. The curriculum focuses on 10 end of life content areas in Pediatric Palliative Care.

Population, Sample, Setting, and Years: The first national training program was hosted in 2003 attended by 100 nurse educators from 100 different pediatric settings representing 34 states. Participants included Schools of Nursing (33%), Clinical Educators (25%), Specialty Nursing Organizations (8%) and CE Providers (7%).

Concept and Outcome Variables: The educational evaluation consisted of pre course evaluation, course evaluation and 6 and 12 month follow up evaluation.

Methods: A three day intensive program introduced key concepts in the above content areas based on scientific evidence.

Findings: Participants identified key barriers in teaching pediatric palliative care to staff including fears associated with dying, cultural beliefs, lack of educational resources, lack of staff time and difficulties in determining prognosis of children. The ELNEC Pediatric Palliative Care Program is now being implemented in the settings of the 100 participants with follow-up goal evaluation at 6 and 12 months.

Conclusions: Improved pediatric palliative care can enhance the quality of life of children and their families as they face the end of life.

Implications: This pediatric palliative care curriculum has potential for wide dissemination to improve care for children and their families.

Back to Improving End-of-Life Care: International Implications for Palliative Nursing Care
Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004