Simulated learning has well known positive effects but its use in palliative care education is limited. A quality improvement project was undertaken at a children's hospice to develop and evaluate simulation workshops. The aim was to increase the knowledge, skills and confidence of nurses and healthcare assistants in managing challenging situations commonly experienced when caring for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) model for improvement was used to test simulation workshops on a small scale using a post-workshop questionnaire and reflective diaries. Despite some initial anxiety, participants felt that the workshop had enhanced their confidence, knowledge and skills, particularly in relation to conducting challenging conversations. The project has provided insight and evidence to develop simulated learning at the children's hospice and further afield.
Keywords: clinical; education; end of life care; hospices; management; palliative care; professional; service improvement; simulation.
© 2023 RCN Publishing Company Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be copied, transmitted or recorded in any way, in whole or part, without prior permission of the publishers.