COPD palliative and supportive care: an evaluation of a multidisciplinary blended learning training program

COPD is characterized by high symptom burden, mostly breathlessness, fatigue, aniety and depression. The unpredictable disease trajectory makes it difficult to determine when to start palliative care (PC) and advance care planning (ACP). We developed a blended learning training program (BLP) to facilitate the implementation of palliative care in routine COPD care The BLP was developed with input of key stakeholders in PC and COPD care. It consists of an e-learning module (identification palliative phase, PC needs assessment, symptom management) in preparation for the 2 live sessions on 1) ACP conversations with role play and 2) multidisciplinary cooperation particularly between primary and secondary care professionals. After each session, participants filled in evaluation forms, rating the e-learning between 0-10 and the live session between 0-5. For analysis descriptive statistics were used In total, 25 pulmonologists, general practitioners, pulmonary/district nurses en PC consultants of 2 hospital regions were trained. The e-learning module scored an average of 8.5 out of 10. The overall mean score of session 1 was 4.8 out of 5. Role play with trainer actors and practical applicability were highest rated (resp. 4.9 and 4.8). Participants enjoyed practicing and recieving guidance on how to have conversations about difficult topics. The overall mean score of session 2 was 4.3. The discussion on transmural cooperation was highest rated with 4.4. Session 2 provided incentive to strive for better care together Our BLP for professionals in palliative COPD care was highly appreciated. It is a first step for implementation and integration of palliative care into routine COPD care