P.082 An evidence-based supportive and palliative care curriculum for Canadian neurology residents

Abstract

Background: Graduating residents require general palliative care skills. In Canada, there is no standardized palliative care curriculum for specialty trained residents. The objective of this research is to develop an evidence-based palliative care curriculum designed to provide neurology residents with the general palliative care skills required for providing patient care along the continuum of life. Methods: A needs assessment was performed in Neurology at Western University using qualitative analysis techniques. Residents completed the following:. A curricular outline was developed based on the Kolb learning style inventory (LSI), a knowledge pre-test, the Palliative Medicine Comfort and Confidence Survey and a review of the literature. Two iterations of the curriculum have been developed. Results: Residents identified a need for additional training in supportive and palliative care skills. Based on the Kolb LSI, 9/16 (56.3%) of neurology residents are “accommodators”. General principles identified for inclusion included: symptom management, communication, psychosocial aspects of care, care coordination and access, and myths and pitfalls in palliative care. Conclusions: This project is designed to identify the current palliative educational needs for Neurology residents. The results suggest that specialty trained residents are receptive to embedding training in the principles of palliative care within their training programs.