This project aims to improve the quality of higher education in the field of Palliative Care nursing education by (a) producing a report of European common Core Competences Palliative Care, (b) developing innovative education ‘tools’ for Palliative Care education and (c) training educators in how to work with the European Matrix Palliative Care Core Competences (a toolkit for educators) to introduce these innovative tools into the curriculum. To reach this aim, Kajaani University of applied science (KAMK, Finland), HOWEST University of applied science (HOWEST, Belgium), the University Transylvania of Brasov (UTBV, Romania), Dr. Piret Paal (Paracelsus Medicinische Privatuniversität, PMU, Austria) and the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC, Belgium) will join forces. Palliative care (PC) is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual. The rate at which populations are aging and living with chronic ill health means that the need for experienced nurses is constantly increasing, but the possibilities for practical internship in Palliative Care are limited. There are few options for gaining bed-side practical experience with regard to supporting patients during the dying phase. Also international research shows that nurses lack Core Competences to deal with Palliative Care situations adequately, as do the educators who train them. An innovative, attractive way of training, with educators who have the right knowledge, skills and attitudes to deal with something as complex as Palliative Care, is needed. It is widely recognised that Palliative care is not included appropriately into most if not all undergraduate nursing curriculum, a fact also noted in research done by the participating project partners. The NursEduPal@Euro project wants to tackle gaps in Palliative Care knowledge, skills and behaviours by: 1. developing a report that detail the European Palliative Care Core Competences to be reached in bachelor degree nursing education 2. developing innovative tools to teach the Core Competences in Palliative Care 3. developing a training for educators to use the European Matrix and pilot elements in their curriculum Based on the European Palliative Care Core Competences report and lessons learned from novel teaching tools piloted in the NursEduPal@Euro project, a European matrix of palliative nursing education will be built as a toolkit for educators. This will include innovative tools to teach and assess the Core Competences in PC. The project rewards excellence in skills development using new ways (blended teaching, e-learning courses, simulation and others) to provide education and the integration of innovative technology by teachers. By training teachers we make sure they feel comfortable introducing new techniques and methodologies both inside and outside their traditional classroom setting, and supporting core competence development needed in practice. This introduction of new methodologies, as an alternative to traditional bedside training, will create new learning opportunities, adapted to the needs of future nurses. This will lead to more attractive and tailored courses that will strengthen skills acquisition of the students. Over time the European Palliative Care Core Competences report and the European Matrix for Palliative Care education should strengthen educator competency ultimately impacting on the nursing care provided by nurses to their patients. In short: The NursEduPal@Euro project will develop a competence based European matrix for educating bachelor degree nurses, containing innovative blended training tools for educators. This enhanced training resource will enable students to acquire Core Competencies in Palliative Care so they are better equipped to deal with Palliative Care issues in practice.
The WHO states that ‘basic training and continuing education on palliative care should be integrated as a routine element of all undergraduate medical and nursing professional education’. Given the inconsistent provision of palliative care education in Europe, a standardized model curriculum with structured guidance can ensure that all newly qualified nurses gain competence and confidence in applying palliative care principles. The NursEduPal@euro project aimed to enhance the quality of palliative care nursing education by empowering educators. We pursued this objective through three key steps: (1) Establishing Europe-wide core palliative care competencies to foster a unified approach to palliative care nursing education across the continent; (2) Developing teaching tools, along with 'how-to' manuals and ready-to-use teaching materials to support instructors in delivering effective palliative care education; (3) Creating a European Palliative Care Matrix for undergraduate nursing education, as a valuable tool for curriculum development and the seamless integration of palliative care training into existing local or national undergraduate nursing programs.
We all face mortality, but only few of us will succumb suddenly. Most will confront cancer, chronic diseases, or frailty. In such cases, palliative care is vital. Starting upon diagnosis, it enhances quality of life and ensures comfort until the end, both for patients and their close ones. Therefore, new nurses must possess palliative care competencies and so, palliative care education is just as important as education in preventive and curative care. Despite efforts to integrate palliative care into nursing curricula, European countries exhibit stark disparities: 56% don't mandate palliative care in their undergraduate nursing programs. This results in nurses feeling ill-prepared and students apprehensive about providing palliative care and encountering death. The lack of education of healthcare providers is a major barrier for accessing palliative care services. Urgently, palliative care must be integrated in European nursing programs. Additionally, we need educators with expertise in palliative care and pedagogy. And, innovative and engaging teaching approaches are required for effective education of nursing students in order for them to develop their competencies in palliative care.