This study evaluated a nurse-led, culturally adapted training program in palliative and end-of-life care (N-PELTP) for oncology nurses in Oman. Nurses in the intervention group received the structured training program, while a comparison group continued usual practice during the same period. Outcomes were assessed using questionnaires completed before and after the intervention to measure palliative care knowledge, attitudes toward caring for dying patients, self-reported palliative care practices, and communication-related outcomes. The goal of the study was to determine whether a culturally adapted educational program can improve oncology nurses' readiness to deliver palliative and end-of-life care.
Palliative and end-of-life care requires skilled nursing communication, symptom management knowledge, and culturally sensitive approaches to care. In many settings, oncology nurses report variable preparation and limited training opportunities in palliative and end-of-life care. This quasi-experimental controlled pretest-posttest study assessed the effectiveness of a nurse-led, culturally adapted palliative and end-of-life training program (N-PELTP) implemented in oncology settings in Oman. Eligible participants were registered oncology nurses providing direct patient care. The intervention group participated in a structured training program delivered over a defined period, while a comparable control group did not receive the training during the study period. Outcomes were assessed using validated tools at baseline (pre-intervention) and after completion of the intervention (post-intervention). The primary objective was to evaluate change in palliative care knowledge. Secondary objectives included changes in attitudes toward caring for dying patients, self-reported palliative care practices, and communication outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
189
A nurse-led, culturally adapted palliative and end-of-life care education and training program for oncology nurses (N-PELTP). The program was delivered in a structured format over a defined training period and covered core palliative and end-of-life care competencies, including communication and care planning. Outcomes were assessed using standardized questionnaires at baseline (pre-intervention) and after completion of the training (post-intervention
Royal Hospital
Muscat, Oman
Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (SQCCCRC), University Medical City
Muscat, Oman
Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Score (Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Scale, Form B; FATCOD-B)
Total score on the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Scale, Form B (FATCOD-B), a 30-item instrument rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Total score range: 30 to 150. Higher scores indicate more positive attitudes toward caring for dying patients.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 2 weeks post-intervention
Palliative and End-of-Life Care Knowledge Score (Palliative and End-of-Life Care Knowledge Questionnaire; PEACE-Q)
Total score on the Palliative and End-of-Life Care Knowledge Questionnaire (PEACE-Q), a 34-item true/false questionnaire. Total score range: 0 to 34. Higher scores indicate greater palliative/end-of-life care knowledge.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately post-intervention
Palliative Care Self-Reported Practice Score (Palliative Care Self-Reported Practices Scale; PCPS)
Total score on the Palliative Care Self-Reported Practices Scale (PCPS), an 18-item scale rated from 1 (not at all) to 5 (always). Total score range: 18 to 90. Higher scores indicate more frequent palliative care practices.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 2 weeks post-intervention
Communication Practice Score (Communication Domain of PCPS)
Communication practice score derived from the communication domain of the Palliative Care Self-Reported Practices Scale (PCPS). Items are rated from 1 (not at all) to 5 (always). Domain score range: 1 to 5 when calculated as a mean item score. Higher scores indicate more frequent/better communication practices in palliative/end-of-life care contexts.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 2 weeks post-intervention
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