Distance learning and its impact on educational intervention on palliative care to nursing professionals–A pilot study

Abstract

Background and objective: Distance education (DE) is a professional training tool that was utilized to work with nursing professionals in this investigation on palliative care. This innovative form of care is used by interdisciplinary teams in a holistic way, with biological, psychological and spiritual aspects. Besides it is uniquely significant during pandemic lockdowns such as the current restrictions in nowadays. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge of nursing professionals about palliative care, before and after an educational intervention through distance education.

Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study carried out in a medium-sized state teaching hospital located in the Midwest region of Brazil. Participants: 31 nursing professionals who worked in the internal medicine ward. First phase, the prior knowledge about palliative care was evaluated through a questionnaire containing 24 semi-structured questions. In the second phase seven 20-minute video lessons were prepared, recorded and sent to the participating group. Third phase the same questionnaire was used to evaluate participants and they were inquired how they perceived they knowledge after distance learning.

Results: A total of 31 professionals were enrolled in the first phase of the study and 29 answered the evaluation questionnaire after DE intervention. Most nursing professionals (61.2%) had between 31 and 50 years, 30 (96.7%) professionals had studied between 10 and 20 years. After DE there was an increase of 33% correct answers. Distance learning improved professional practice and increased confidence at work.

Conclusions: Distance education is well accepted and promotes an increase of knowledge by up to a third on palliative care issues and also increased self-confidence among professionals.