Nursing Students’ Perceptions of a Palliative Care E-Learning Module: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background

The need for palliative care is increasing with population aging and the growing number of people living with chronic, life-limiting illnesses. However, nursing students are often poorly prepared to competently deliver palliative care, in part because of a lack of palliative care content in nursing curricula.

Objective

To examine nursing students’ perceptions of a palliative care e-learning module to determine the module's acceptability and to improving it if necessary.

Methods

An exploratory cross-sectional survey design was used to assess nursing students’ perceptions of a palliative care e-learning module. A feedback survey consisting of four 5-point, Likert-type items and an open-ended question was used. Data were collected between September 2021-December 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the survey findings and responses from the open-ended question were content analyzed.

Results

Students perceived that the e-learning module enhanced their knowledge, confidence, and perceptions of working with older adults with palliative care needs. Students enjoyed the module and suggested expanding content related to medical assistance in dying and communication with patients surrounding shared decision-making.

Conclusions

The palliative e-learning module was perceived by nursing students as enhancing their knowledge and confidence in delivering palliative care. Students’ feedback guided improvements made to the module.