Distance education methods are useful for delivering education to palliative caregivers: A single-arm trial of an education package (PalliativE Caregivers Education Package)

摘要

Background: Face-to-face/group education for palliative caregivers is successful, but relies on caregivers travelling, being absent from\udthe patient, and rigid timings. This presents inequities for those in rural locations.\udAim: To design and test an innovative distance-learning educational package (PrECEPt: PalliativE Caregivers Education Package).\udDesign: Single-arm mixed-method feasibility proof-of-concept trial (ACTRN12616000601437). The primary outcome was carer\udself-efficacy, with secondary outcomes focused on caregiver preparedness and carer tasks/needs. Analysis focused on three outcome\udmeasures (taken at baseline and 6 weeks) and feasibility/acceptability qualitative data.\udSetting and participants: A single specialist palliative care service. Eligible informal caregivers were those of patients registered\udwith the outpatient or community service, where the patient had a prognosis of ⩾12 weeks, supporting someone with nutrition/\udhydration and/or pain management needs, proficient in English and no major mental health diagnosis.\udResults: Two modules were developed and tested (nutrition/hydration and pain management) with 18 caregivers. The materials did\udnot have a statistically significant impact on carer self-efficacy. However, statistically significant improvements were observed on the\udtwo subsidiary measures of (1) caregiving tasks, consequences and needs (p = 0.03, confidence interval: 0.72, 9.4) and (2) caregiver\udpreparedness (p = 0.001, confidence interval: −1.22, −0.46). The study determined that distance learning is acceptable and feasible for\udboth caregivers and healthcare professionals.\udConclusion: Distance education improves caregiver preparedness and is a feasible and acceptable approach. A two-arm trial\udwould determine whether the materials benefitted caregivers and patients compared to a control group not receiving the materials.\udAdditional modules could be fruitfully developed and offered.