Journal of palliative medicine
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Although many studies have illustrated the discomfort that resident physicians feel when discussing end-of-life (EOL) issues with their patients, fewer studies have addressed interventions to directly increase medical resident proficiency and comfort in conducting these discussions and for translating these beliefs into a formal advance care plan. ⋯ A multimodality curriculum including self-directed learning, lectures, and practice with simulated and actual outpatients with active reflection and feedback is effective in improving resident comfort level and formal training in ACP. Further research is needed to understand whether these interventions will translate into an increased frequency of discussions with patients about ACP after residency training.
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Despite increased attention to communication skill training in palliative care, few interprofessional training programs are available and little is known about the impact of such training. ⋯ The COMFORT(TM SM) communication curriculum is effective palliative care communication training for interprofessional teams.
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Nationally, the contribution of palliative care to high-quality health care continues to be recognized resulting in demand for palliative care services. This has resulted in an expected shortage of clinicians with palliative care knowledge and experience. The education and scope of practice of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) provides an ideal foundation for further palliative care education and training to fill this gap. ⋯ This is a sustainable model for primary palliative care and midcareer APRNs who wish to enter palliative care. It is replicable for other disciplines as well.