Document Type

DNP Project

Department

School of Nursing

Date of Degree

Spring 2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Primary Advisor

Dr. Cindy Allen

Keywords

Palliative Care; Acute Care Nursing; Education; Self-Efficacy; Quality Improvement

Abstract

Background: Acute care nurses face complex end-of-life situations but are not adequately prepared with comprehensive palliative care training after undergraduate coursework. This knowledge gap affects nurses' ability to manage patients holistically and effectively, undermining their knowledge level and self-efficacy.

Aims: This project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured four-week educational intervention delivered in a hybrid format using artificial intelligence (AI) software and evaluated post-training changes and participant satisfaction.

Methods: A pre-post study design was used, involving nurses recruited from acute care units in a community-based hospital. Prior to the intervention, the nurses completed three validated assessment tools: the Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing (PCQN) to evaluate knowledge, the End- of-Life Care Questionnaire (EOL-Q), and the Self-Efficacy in Palliative Care Scale (SEPC) to assess self-efficacy and competency. The multifaceted intervention included virtual and in- person didactic presentations and self-paced modules with interactive case studies. After the intervention, participants repeated the same assessment tools and completed a feedback survey.

Results: The sample included twelve female nurses, 58% over 35 years old, and 50% having over 15 years of experience. Most held a bachelor's degree (67%), and 50% had prior palliative care training, though only 25% received in-person education. Paired t-tests showed significant improvements in knowledge (PCQN: 11.92 to 15.67, p > 0.001), enhanced comfort in EOL care (EOL-Q: 94.92 to 120.67, p > 0.001), and higher self-efficacy (SEPC: 68.73 to 77.97, p > 0.001). Participant feedback indicated satisfaction with the accessibility offered by the hybrid format and the innovative use of AI technology in healthcare. Other key themes included increased confidence and strong support for continued palliative-focused education.

Conclusions: The structured palliative care educational intervention, complemented by AI, improved nurses' bedside palliative care knowledge and self-efficacy, emphasizing the need for routine training in acute care.

Open Access

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