BUILDING THE BRIDGE
Enhancing transition from children’s to adult palliative care through collaboarative education.
Cheryl Croft, Transition Lead, Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, Maidenhead, UK
Emma McKeever, Practice Educator, Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, Maidenhead, UK
James Hill, Wellbeing Services Manager, Thames Hospice, Maidenhead, UK
BACKGROUND
As increasing numbers of young people with complex and life-limiting conditions reach adulthood, adult hospice teams must be equipped to meet their unique needs (1,2) Research shows that adult staff feel ‘ill equipped’, ‘out of their depth’ and ‘lack competence and confidence’ (1-3) when caring for young people with complex health needs. In response, a training and education programme was co-developed by child and adult hospice services to strengthen transition pathways and staff competence and confidence
PURPOSE
This paper evaluates the outcomes and impact of a collaborative training programme designed to improve adult hospice staff preparedness for supporting young people during and after their transition from child services.
METHODS
The programme was designed using an active teaching method, covering key areas such as complex medical conditions (e g dystonia, epilepsy), symptom management, enteral feeding, ethics, and therapeutic activities. Pre and post session selfratings (n=101) captured changes in participants' familiarity with the subject and confidence in applying skills, alongside qualitative reflections and learning from realtime case involvement.
RESULTS
“I feel more prepared, less intimidated”
“The
message
of
us creating
a bridge really
resonates. Hospices feel so supported that we now have a bridge connecting us. We know who to go to and how to access support”
“This training is invaluable, and more is needed, these young people are part of our patient group”
CONCLUSIONS
The training enhanced staff competence, confidence, and interhospice collaboration Feedback highlighted the need for improved pre-course preparation Participants reported the programme had “built the bridge” between services, fostering smoother transitions and shared understanding
REFERENCES
Brown K, McCusker K Paediatric to adult palliative care- is
Finlinson H, Spathis A “Its brilliant! it’s working! its needed!” A hospice
Toulany A, Willem Gorter J, Harrison M A call for