Evaluation of a blended learning program designed to improve clinical practice skills in novice healthcare professionals caring for patients with Parkinson’s disease

Introduction

Specialized healthcare facilities for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients require professionals with comprehensive knowledge of disease management and palliative care. This intervention study evaluated a blended learning program for healthcare professionals (n = 117) at five newly established PD care facilities in Japan.

Methods

The program integrated theoretical education, active learning, and role-playing exercises. Outcomes were evaluated by scores on self-rated knowledge and confidence in palliative care for PD patients, End-of-Life Professional Caregiver Survey (EPCS), and Team STEPPS Teamwork Attitudes Questionnaire.

Results

The scores for self-rated knowledge of palliative care increased from 3.36 to 5.28, and confidence improved from 3.79 to 5.05 (p < 0.001). Although overall teamwork attitudes remained stable, situation-monitoring skills improved (p = 0.045). The EPCS total score increased from 2.36 to 2.55 (p < 0.001), with improvements in all subscales. Multiple regression analysis revealed that pre-intervention knowledge (β = 0.586, p < 0.001) and professional role were associated with improvement of post-intervention knowledge scores. Notably, professional physiotherapists showed higher improvements than care management workers (β = 1.995, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

The blended learning program, combining theoretical education, active learning, and role-playing exercises, effectively enhanced the palliative care competencies of healthcare professionals in PD care facilities. Future studies should examine the long-term retention of these competencies and their impact on patient care outcomes.