Paramedic students gained a valuable insight into end of life and palliative care at an innovative new training programme organised by Birmingham Hospice.
The programme, run by the hospice’s Education and Research Team, gave second year students on Newman University’s Paramedic Science course a deeper understanding of the experiences of patients and their families facing end of life illness. It also highlighted the importance of clear, compassionate communication.
A key part of the two-day course involved family members sharing their personal experiences of care at the hospice. Their stories provided a profound look into the emotional and practical challenges faced by patients and their loved ones.
Throughout the programme, members of the hospice’s multi-professional teams delivered expert sessions on subjects including communication skills, Advance Care Planning, symptom management and resilience in healthcare practice.
On the second day, students put their learning into practice through a series of ‘escape room’ scenarios based on situations they may encounter as paramedics. Working alongside hospice staff role-playing as patients and relatives, students assessed each environment and determined the most appropriate course of action.
The hospice’s Education and Research Team hope to extend the programme to other universities training the next generation of paramedics.
Dr Shurma Pallan, Specialty doctor in Palliative Medicine and Medical Education fellow for Birmingham Hospice, said: “We set out to provide an innovative palliative care programme with our multi- professional team, which brought in a wide range of experience and expertise from across our hospice.
“It took considerable hard work, time and energy and was an enjoyable experience for all involved. Most importantly the students felt they learnt a great deal about palliative and end of life care, which will inform their practice as paramedics. We hope to run the course again with future cohorts and universities.”
Karen Gubbins, Senior Lecturer in Paramedic Science at Newman University was also on hand to observe the programme.
“These two days have been such a valuable learning experience for the students, in a field that can often be overlooked. The students are really looking forward to completing some placements with the hospice soon.”
