E.06 Developing and evidence-based palliative care curriculum for neurology resident trainees

Abstract

Background: Graduating neurology residents require general palliative care skills. This study aims to develop an evidence-based palliative care curriculum to provide neurology residents with the general palliative care skills required for providing patient care along the continuum of life. Methods: A needs assessment of the palliative skills necessary for a neurology resident was performed. Focus groups were held with physicians, allied health care and senior residents. Semi-structured interviews were held with patients and their caregivers. Interviews analysed using qualitative thematic analysis techniques. The Kolb learning style inventory will determine the learning style of neurology residents and inform the curricular design. Results: Qualitative analysis identified 3 overarching challenges for neurology residents: 1) uncertainty regarding disease trajectory in neurology and timing of palliative care discussions; 2) cohesiveness of the health care team regarding end of life issues; 3) the role of the resident in initiating palliative care. Other principals identified for inclusion were: symptom management, communication, psychosocial aspects of care, care coordination and access, and myths and pitfalls in palliative care. Conclusions: This project will identify the current best evidence and expert opinion in palliative care neurology. The data will be used to develop a novel Canadian neurological palliative care curriculum.