Pharmacology knowledge retention in palliative care nurses.

Abstract

The Grampians Regional Palliative Care team developed a series of pharmacology study days to assist nurses in developing their knowledge of common medications used in the palliative care setting. The study attracted 320 nurses, and addressed the fundamental pharmacological principles of medication management in palliative care. A clinical research project was undertaken to assess nurses in developing their knowledge of common medications used in the palliative care setting. A clinical research project was undertaken to assess knowledge retention of nursing working in palliative care. A questionnaire comprising 20 multiple choice questions was developed to reflect the content of the lectures, and was completed by participants at commencement of the study day, at the conclusion of the day and six weeks post study day. Test results indicated that nurses had limited knowledge of pharmacological principles prior to the study day with a pass rate of only 21%. Post audit study demonstrated an increase in knowledge of medications by nurses who attended with a pass rate of 97% post study day. Overall nurses who returned the test at six weeks demonstrated a high retention rate of pharmacological knowledge. The paper aims to highlight the ongoing need for pharamcological knowledge updates for nurses both in palliative care and general nursing.