SICKO. Development of a Multi-Disciplinary Training-Concept for Paediatric Oncology

Abstract

Background Treating children with cancer requires multiple different skills. For the healthcare personnel (HCP) in Germany the practice of ongoing training to improve professional skills is almost non-existent. Therefore, we developed a programme called ‘SICKO’ to support HCPs skills and attitudes by means of a multidisciplinary workshop.

Methods Following a qualitative analysis, we then designed a modular (3 day) workshop. During day one (8 h) participants learn practical skills, the fundamentals of chemotherapy, and effective communication skills. Workshop day 2 (8 h) includes education regarding the complications of cancer therapy (e. g. tumour-lysis syndrome, delayed methotrexate excretion), and their management. Topics during day 3 (8 h) include ‘breaking bad news’, conflict management in the team, infusion-related complications and ‘crew resource management’ (CRM).

Results 43 nurses and 33 physicians participated between 2013 and 2015. All participants highly recommend the workshop. Participants felt that knowledge increased significantly after workshops and were more confident regarding challenging communications.

Discussion/Conclusions Although long-term effects have not yet been evaluated, ‘SICKO’ offers the opportunity for HCP to train and experience simulated day-to-day challenges in the field of paediatric oncology.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund Die Behandlung der Kinder mit maligner Erkrankung erfordert ganz unterschiedliche Fertigkeiten. Für das medizinische Personal (MP= Pflege und ärztlicher Dienst) gibt es in Deutschland praktisch keine Trainingskonzepte zur Verbesserung der professionellen Fähigkeiten. Daher entwickelten wir ein Programm („SICKO“ = Sicherheit in der Kinderonkologie), um sowohl Fertigkeiten als auch professionelle Einstellung des MP in einem multidisziplinären Workshop-Konzept zu unterstützen.

Methoden Nach einer Bedarfsanalyse entwickelten wir ein modulares Workshop Konzept (=3-Tage). Während Tag 1 (= 8 h) lernen die Teilnehmer praktische Fertigkeiten sowie Basis-Informationen zu Chemotherapie und Kommunikation. Workshop Tag 2 (8 h) beinhaltet Komplikation der Chemotherapie (z. B. Paravasate, Tumor-Lyse-Syndrom) und deren Management. Themen von Tag 3 (8 h) sind die Überbringung schlechter Nachrichten, Team-Konflikte, Infusions-assoziierte Probleme und Crew Ressource Management (CRM).

Ergebnisse 43 Pflegende und 33 Ärztinnen und Ärzte haben seit 2013 an den Workshops teilgenommen. 100% empfehlen den Workshop weiter. Es konnte ein signifikanter Wissenszuwachs gemessen werden, Teilnehmer geben an, dass sie sich besser für herausfordernde Kommunikationssituationen gerüstet fühlen.

Diskussion/Schlussfolgerung: Auch wenn Langzeit-Ergebnisse bislang fehlen, zeigt sich ein günstiger Einfluss des SICKO Workshop Modells für das Training und die Simulation täglicher Herausforderungen in der Kinderonkologie.

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