29 Challenging conversations at end of life – a workshop for all staff

<h3>Introduction</h3> 25–40% of hospital patients are in their final year of life. Evidence repeatedly shows that senior healthcare professionals would like more teaching by specialist palliative care teams. The GMC, RCGP, RCS and RCP also recognise the need for all doctors to deliver Palliative Care. <h3>Aims and objectives</h3> To develop a communication skills workshop for healthcare professionals that do not deliver specialist palliative care. <h3>Methods</h3> A workshop for 6–10 delegates per session was designed and advertised to all senior clinical staff at one NHS trust. The workshop starts with recent evidence around clinical communication skills and a theoretical hospital based scenario, to encourage personal and group reflection. Themes of clinical uncertainty, recognition of dying and holistic care develop as the delegates then move to an immersive simulation room. <h3>Results</h3> 30 delegates have attended the course so far and 85% of delegates rated the workshop 5/5. Feedback included Thank you very much for the session I found it both helpful and challenging and I think it made me consider my patient conversations much more carefully around respect and breaking bad news I found most the small group work and films helpful and the scenario rather scary but a good wake up call. More confidence to discuss future plans for patients in the last year of life – I will definitely try to use SPICT more. I would encourage others to attend the course, especially those who don’t think they need it. I wonder whether something focussed for those who have done a lot of their training in a different country would be useful Delegates have also gone on to undertake work looking at SPICT in frailty units. <h3>Conclusions</h3> An interactive and reflective communication skills workshop has upskilled doctors and nurses to hold conversations at end of life with confidence and compassion.