RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Palliative medicine trainees be should learn about frailty: meta-synthesis and Delphi study to establish curriculum content
JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
JO BMJ Support Palliat Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP bmjspcare-2021-003013
DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003013
A1 Felicity Dewhurst
A1 Barbara Hanratty
A1 Katherine Frew
A1 Paul Paes
A1 Richard Walker
A1 Catherine Barnes
A1 Helena Maddock
A1 Joanna Elverson
A1 Lucie Byrne-Davis
YR 2021
UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/early/2021/11/22/bmjspcare-2021-003013.abstract
AB Objectives Frailty is common and highly associated with morbidity and mortality, a fact that has been highlighted by COVID-19. Understanding how to provide palliative care for frail individuals is an international priority, despite receiving limited mention in Palliative Medicine curricula or examinations worldwide. This study aimed to synthesise evidence and establish expert consensus on what should be included in a Palliative-Medicine Specialist Training Curriculum for frailty.Methods Literature Meta-synthesis conducted by palliative medicine, frailty and education experts produced a draft curriculum with Bologna based Learning-Outcomes. A Delphi study asked experts to rate the importance of Learning-Outcomes for specialist-training completion and propose additional Learning-Outcomes. This process was repeated until 70% consensus was achieved for over 90% of Learning-Outcomes. Experts divided Learning-Outcomes into specific (for inclusion in a frailty subsection) or generic (applicable to other palliative conditions). The Delphi panel was Subject Matter Experts: Palliative-Medicine Consultants (n=14) and Trainees (n=10), representing hospital, community, hospice and care home services and including committee members of key national training organisations. A final reviewing panel of Geriatric Medicine Specialists including experts in research methodology, national training requirements and frailty were selected.Results The meta-synthesis produced 114 Learning-Outcomes. The Delphi Study and Review by Geriatric Medicine experts resulted in 46 essential and 33 desirable Learning-Outcomes.Conclusions This frailty curriculum is applicable internationally and highlights the complex and unique palliative needs of frail patients. Future research is required to inform implementation, educational delivery and service provision.Data are available on reasonable request. Most data are included in the paper and the appendices. Results of specific Delphi rounds are available on request and are currently stored on a secure university server.