An Evaluation of Training Program in Palliative Nursing Care of Kuakarun Faculty of Nursing, Navamindradhiraj University

Abstract

          The descriptive research aimed to evaluate a nursing specialty course in palliative nursing care of Kuakarun Faculty of Nursing, Navamindradhiraj University using four levels of learning evaluation of Donald L. Kirkpatrick model, including 1) Reaction evaluates lecturers, learning and teaching activities, facilitative resources, and evaluation, 2) Learning measures knowledge and attitudes 3) Behavior changes after the training by evaluating palliative care competencies, and 4) Results determine outcomes on implementation and a palliative care nursing system. The data were collected by selecting the specific sample 4 groups, from 30 the participants were registered nurses who finished a palliative nursing care program, 30 head nurses, 30 colleagues and 30 patient families. The research instruments were course assessment questionnaire, attitude questionnaire, palliative nursing competency questionnaire, the satisfaction questionnaire of patient and relative towards palliative care, questionnaire about the results operation of the palliative nursing system and semi-structured interview form. The content validation of questionnaire was conducted by three experts. The questionnaires were tested on 15 non-sample for its reliability (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = .79, .81, .82, .78 and .80 respectively. The knowledge test is an optional test. Analyze each item for 3 factors; Difficulty = .54, Discrimination = .22 and KR - 20 = .45

          The findings revealed that (1) the evaluation of reaction in the palliative care nursing program was very satisfied. 2) After completing the training, palliative care nurses had the mean score of knowledge significantly higher than before the training. Their attitudes were very satisfied. 3) The mean scores of competencies of palliative care nurses by their perceptions at post-training with eight-months follow-up significantly higher than post-training with fourmonths follow-up. After 8 months, the competencies by stakeholders’ perceptions such as trainees, head nurses, and colleagues, found that their behaviors were changed properly and obviously, except the competency of leadership skills; however, it was acceptable; and 4) in outcome evaluation with an organization, the satisfaction of patient families with palliative nursing care were satisfied; however, problems and obstacles were reported. Working with autonomy and care guidelines consistent treatment guidelines will promote palliative care nurses to reinforce their potential in palliative care nurses’ roles. Especially the leadership. The recommendations from this study are this program enhances palliative care nurses feel confident to play a good role model in palliative nursing care and improve their skills to be well-known and acceptable from disciplinary.