Effective end-of-life (EoL) care requires a nuanced understanding of patient needs, compassionate communication, and evidence-based best practices. This Lightning Talk will showcase the development and implementation of an asynchronous, interactive, and interprofessional educational program designed to improve the competence and confidence of healthcare students. By leveraging innovative instructional design and engaging, self-paced modules, this program equips participants with critical information to enhance their knowledge and skills for providing quality of care.
This program supports Summit theme number six by preparing students for effective interprofessional collaboration in end-of-life care. Topics included in the educational modules were basics of EoL, guiding principles and core competencies of a “good death;" the palliative care continuum; and IPEC interprofessional collaboration, the interprofessional team, communication, difficult conversations, and common interventions. Through each of these modules, participants engage with case-based learning, communication and discussion-based activities, and general information to enhance opportunities for interprofessional collaboration and understanding. These elements enhance readiness for practice, strengthen collaboration across disciplines, and improve holistic, patient-centered care in the EoL settings.
Attendees for this Lightning Talk will gain insight into the program’s structure, including its integration of case-based learning, interactive activities, and opportunities for discussion. The presentation will highlight key outcomes, such as enhanced appreciation and understanding for the interprofessional team, improved competence and confidence, and increased knowledge of patient-centered care strategies. Additionally, the Lightning Talk will emphasize how the program fulfills priority criteria by addressing critical healthcare disparities, promoting equitable access to education, and aligning with best practice standards. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for integrating asynchronous, interactive methodologies into their own educational initiatives, ultimately contributing to better care, better value, and improved education within their communities.
By demonstrating measurable success in program effectiveness and participant outcomes, this initiative serves as a model for forward-thinking education in end-of-life care. The Lightning Talk will inspire attendees to embrace innovative, scalable approaches that empower participants to deliver compassionate, informed, and high-quality support to individuals in their last phases of life.
