Table 2 The quality improvement programme with indicators
Dimension | Rationale | Indicators | Expected standard |
|---|---|---|---|
General training in palliative care | A basic training on palliative care is necessary to educate the future trainees on palliative care topics (e.g., communication) | Proportion of ward physicians attending the 4-h basic training | 100% |
Request to receive the communication training | A perceived need that training in communication is important for changing future behaviour | Call from the head of the department for communication training | Requested |
Developing the documentation for the training | Specific documentation is mandatory | Received the documentation | Received |
Didactic lesson | Little basic knowledge on delivering bad news is necessary | Proportion of ward physicians attending the didactic lesson | 75% of the participants attend the didactic lesson |
Videos | An overview of and a preliminary discussion on different teaching methods prepare students for the didactic lesson | Proportion of ward physicians participating in the video sessions | 100% |
Role playing | Experiential learning as role playing improve behavioural changes in trainees | Proportion of ward physicians attending at least 2 role playing sessions; proportion of ward physicians performing in at least 2 role playing sessions, at least one as a patient/relative and one as the physician | 75%;75% |
Bedside trainings | Real-life training improves participants’ awareness of their communication style | Proportion of ward physicians attending at least 3 bed-side sessions | 75% of the participants attend the bed-side training |
Semi-structured questionnaire on the perceived usefulness of the programme | A self-evaluation of the usefulness of the training components can improve both the structure and contents of the programme | Proportion of physicians attending the whole programme and completing the questionnaires | 100% |
Bedside training follow up | Follow-up sessions control and re-enforce the maintenance over time of the training course | Proportion of ward physicians performing at least 2 bed-side session follow ups | 75% |