The Impact of an Online Learning Resource Designed to Enhance Interprofessional Collaborative Practice in Palliative Care: Findings from the Caring Together Pilot Project

Abstract

Abstract

Background: This study assessed the effectiveness of an online learning resource
for staff in long-term care (LTC) homes. The resource was designed to increase
palliative care and interprofessional patient-centred care (IPC) skills and knowledge
and stimulate the transfer of knowledge to the workplace.
Methods and Findings: A mixed methods approach was used. The Staged
Innovation Design, which uses an experimental group and a control–replication
group, was adopted. The resource was piloted in two not-for-profit LTC homes
with 55 staff. Data were collected from four surveys. Individual interviews were
conducted with 15 participants. Participants stated the resource exposed them to
relevant, practical information regarding caring for residents at the end of life; the
material was presented in an engaging, interactive manner; and e-learning was a
convenient way to learn. The resource allowed learners to learn with, from, and
about each other and increased palliative care and IPC skills and knowledge.
Evidence regarding changes in learners’ attitudes toward IPC and transfer of
knowledge was weak. Given the short time-frame from completion of the training
to evaluation, this is not surprising.
Conclusions: Suggestions for improving the resource emerged from the evaluation,
and these have been implemented.