Enhanced Train-the-Trainer Model for Delivering Pediatric Palliative Care Education

Principles of pediatric palliative care (PPC) should be incorporated from the time of diagnosis of childhood cancer, yet health professionals report little training in PPC. To address this gap, the Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care for Pediatrics (EPEC®-Pediatrics) curriculum was implemented across Canada using a ‘Train-the-Trainer’ model and principles of implementation science. Our goals were to widely disseminate the curriculum across Canada, improve the PPC knowledge of health professionals, and ultimately improve the quality of care for children with cancer and their families. While we did not see as many changes as we had hoped in care quality, we surpassed our other goals. Our roll-out process now serves as a model for similar efforts in the US, Latin America, and Australia.

PRESENTERS

Dr. Kimberly Widger

Dr. Widger is an Assistant Professor at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, and Project Investigator at the Hospital for Sick Children. Her research focuses on identifying and measuring structures, processes, and outcomes that are indicative of high-quality pediatric palliative and end-of-life care and finding ways to ensure optimal care is provided regardless of setting or diagnosis.