As healthcare is constantly developing and changing, so education plays an important role in keeping all professionals updated and informed of new practices in order that patients can benefit from these innovations.
Palliative care is no exception, indeed, you may have seen some television programmes recently highlighting the need for improvements in supporting those faced with a life limiting illness. This has shown publicly how palliative care is rapidly advancing. And with that advancement means an even greater need to enlighten and inform, not just healthcare professionals, but also the public, it is after all an issue which will at some point affect each of us.
The Earl Mountbatten Hospice is involved in a number of different educational projects, from helping hospice staff with their professional needs, and also their further development, to facilitating courses for healthcare professionals island wide in all aspects of palliative care, to developing joint programmes with the Macmillan team, social services and the NHS Trust for specific staff in specific roles.
As you can see palliative care education is not confined to the hospice; it is important to realise that this care is provided in patients homes, nursing/residential homes and in the acute hospital. For this care to be of an equal standard, it is important that the expertise and knowledge which is present at the Hospice is shared with all who may be involved with patients who require palliative care.
It is very encouraging to see the numbers attending palliative care study days. The next study day is to be held at Lakeside Park, Wootton Bridge, on 19 November 2009, when the theme of the day is End of Life Care in different settings. It is also encouraging that a wide range of professionals is attending from both community and residential settings.
This means that the good practice being shared is now impacting on more areas in more settings, which means that the care of patients will improve.
For those of you with an interest in learning more about the educational opportunities available, the Hospice website has an education section which lists all courses available, and also links to on-line learning, (via Help the Hospices).
What we do
A strong learning culture exists at The Earl Mountbatten Hospice, which coupled with good facilities enables the expertise and knowledge within the hospice to be shared not only with hospice staff, but also others who may care for palliative patients in the community, acute trust, and nursing/care homes. We are therefore viewed as the central focus for palliative care education on The Isle of Wight.
There are a number of formal events in the form of study days and short courses which run each year, covering all aspects of palliative care. Also bearing in mind the changing nature of care provision, we are able to respond to specific training and education issues raised, and plan and provide the necessary input.
We have close links with both Southampton and Portsmouth Universities, where staff access a number of different programmes of study. We are also validated as a clinical placement area for student nurses, and inter-professional student groups from the University of Southampton.
Resources at the hospice include a dedicated teaching/seminar room, well stocked library (with internet access), and an education administrator.