The required competencies of physicians within palliative care from the perspectives of multi-professional expert groups: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Although statements on the competencies required from physicians working within palliative care exist, these requirements have not been described within different levels of palliative care provision by multi-professional workshops, comprising representatives from working life. Th...

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Main Authors: Hanna-Leena Melender, Minna Hökkä, Tiina Saarto, Juho T. Lehto
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2020-05-01
Series:BMC Palliative Care
Subjects:
Online Access:http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12904-020-00566-5
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author Hanna-Leena Melender
Minna Hökkä
Tiina Saarto
Juho T. Lehto
author_facet Hanna-Leena Melender
Minna Hökkä
Tiina Saarto
Juho T. Lehto
author_sort Hanna-Leena Melender
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Although statements on the competencies required from physicians working within palliative care exist, these requirements have not been described within different levels of palliative care provision by multi-professional workshops, comprising representatives from working life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the competencies required from physicians working within palliative care from the perspectives of multi-professional groups of representatives from working life. Methods A qualitative approach, using a workshop method, was conducted, wherein the participating professionals and representatives of patient organizations discussed the competencies that are required in palliative care, before reaching and documenting a consensus. The data (n = 222) was collected at workshops held in different parts of Finland and it was analyzed using a qualitative content analysis method. Results The description of the competencies required of every physician working within palliative care at the general level included 13 main categories and 50 subcategories in total. ‘Competence in advanced care planning and decision-making’ was the main category which was obtained from the highest number of reduced expressions from the original data (f = 125). Competence in social interactions was another strong main category (f = 107). In specialist level data, six main categories with 22 subcategories in total were found. ‘Competence in complex symptom management’ was the main category which was obtained from the biggest number of reduced expressions (f = 46). A notable association between general level and specialist level data was related to networking, since one of the general level categories was ‘Competence in consultations and networking’ (f = 34) and one of the specialist level categories was ‘Competence to offer consultative and educational support to other professionals’ (f = 30). Moreover, part of the specialist level results were subcategories which belonged to the main categories produced from the general level data. Conclusions The competencies described in this study emphasize decision-making, social interactions and networking. It is important to listen to the voices of the working-life representatives when planning curricula. Moreover, the views of the working-life representatives inform how the competencies gained during their education meet the challenges of the ordinary work.
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spelling doaj.art-d2dc927ac0a54e8c8bdcbe8cc4009ea02022-12-22T01:54:12ZengBMCBMC Palliative Care1472-684X2020-05-0119111110.1186/s12904-020-00566-5The required competencies of physicians within palliative care from the perspectives of multi-professional expert groups: a qualitative studyHanna-Leena Melender0Minna Hökkä1Tiina Saarto2Juho T. Lehto3Department of Social and Health Care, VAMK University of Applied SciencesSchool of Health, Kajaani University of Applied SciencesFaculty of Medicine, University of HelsinkiFaculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere UniversityAbstract Background Although statements on the competencies required from physicians working within palliative care exist, these requirements have not been described within different levels of palliative care provision by multi-professional workshops, comprising representatives from working life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the competencies required from physicians working within palliative care from the perspectives of multi-professional groups of representatives from working life. Methods A qualitative approach, using a workshop method, was conducted, wherein the participating professionals and representatives of patient organizations discussed the competencies that are required in palliative care, before reaching and documenting a consensus. The data (n = 222) was collected at workshops held in different parts of Finland and it was analyzed using a qualitative content analysis method. Results The description of the competencies required of every physician working within palliative care at the general level included 13 main categories and 50 subcategories in total. ‘Competence in advanced care planning and decision-making’ was the main category which was obtained from the highest number of reduced expressions from the original data (f = 125). Competence in social interactions was another strong main category (f = 107). In specialist level data, six main categories with 22 subcategories in total were found. ‘Competence in complex symptom management’ was the main category which was obtained from the biggest number of reduced expressions (f = 46). A notable association between general level and specialist level data was related to networking, since one of the general level categories was ‘Competence in consultations and networking’ (f = 34) and one of the specialist level categories was ‘Competence to offer consultative and educational support to other professionals’ (f = 30). Moreover, part of the specialist level results were subcategories which belonged to the main categories produced from the general level data. Conclusions The competencies described in this study emphasize decision-making, social interactions and networking. It is important to listen to the voices of the working-life representatives when planning curricula. Moreover, the views of the working-life representatives inform how the competencies gained during their education meet the challenges of the ordinary work.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12904-020-00566-5Palliative medicinePalliative careProfessional competenceClinical competenceCurriculumEducation
spellingShingle Hanna-Leena Melender
Minna Hökkä
Tiina Saarto
Juho T. Lehto
The required competencies of physicians within palliative care from the perspectives of multi-professional expert groups: a qualitative study
BMC Palliative Care
Palliative medicine
Palliative care
Professional competence
Clinical competence
Curriculum
Education
title The required competencies of physicians within palliative care from the perspectives of multi-professional expert groups: a qualitative study
title_full The required competencies of physicians within palliative care from the perspectives of multi-professional expert groups: a qualitative study
title_fullStr The required competencies of physicians within palliative care from the perspectives of multi-professional expert groups: a qualitative study
title_full_unstemmed The required competencies of physicians within palliative care from the perspectives of multi-professional expert groups: a qualitative study
title_short The required competencies of physicians within palliative care from the perspectives of multi-professional expert groups: a qualitative study
title_sort required competencies of physicians within palliative care from the perspectives of multi professional expert groups a qualitative study
topic Palliative medicine
Palliative care
Professional competence
Clinical competence
Curriculum
Education
url http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12904-020-00566-5
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