| Description |
Objective: To identify gaps in knowledge, confidence, and training about hospice care among interdisciplinary team (IDT) staff in long-term care (LTC) communities and develop an evidence-based educational intervention to address these needs.; Background: As the population of older adults with life-limiting illnesses continues to grow in the United States, the demand for high-quality hospice care in LTC settings is rising. Effective hospice care depends on the knowledge, confidence, and communication skills of LTC staff. Addressing these gaps is critical to improving end-of-life care and supporting residents and their families during hospice transitions. Methods: This three-phase project culminated in the development and evaluation of a hospice education video tailored for IDT-LTC staff. • Phase 1: A needs assessment survey measured staff knowledge, confidence, and barriers to hospice training. • Phase 2: Qualitative feedback from three university faculty content experts guided revisions to the lesson plan and educational video. • Phase 3: Quantitative and qualitative feedback from three IDT-LTC staff members evaluated the video's quality, utility, and feasibility for future training. Results: The needs assessment revealed limited knowledge of hospice definitions (M = 2.0, SD = 0.5) and eligibility criteria (M = 2.5, SD = 0.7), as well as low confidence in discussing end-of-life topics with residents and families (M = 2.5, SD = 0.7). Expert feedback emphasized the importance of culturally inclusive language, accessible content, and addressing common misconceptions about hospice care. Community feedback rated the video highly in quality (M = 4.7, SD = 0.3) and utility (M = 4.6, SD = 0.4) but highlighted the need for greater clarity on hospice eligibility and service offerings.; Conclusion: This project identified critical gaps in hospice knowledge and training among LTC staff and developed an educational video informed by theoretical frameworks, including the Interdisciplinary Framework and Dual Channel Theory. The video, designed to be learner-centered and accessible, addresses these gaps while promoting compassionate, holistic care. The resource has potential applications in in-service training, academic settings, and public education, contributing to the broader goal of improving hospice care quality and accessibility in LTC communities. |
