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BMC Palliative Care
Published in: BMC Palliative Care 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Research

Impact of training on knowledge, confidence and attitude amongst community health volunteers in the provision of community-based palliative care in rural Kenya

Authors: Hussein Elias, Evelyne Kisembe, Sarah Nyariki, Ivan Kiplimo, James Amisi, Juli Boit, Allison Tarus, Naseem Mohamed, Kenneth Cornetta

Published in: BMC Palliative Care | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Objectives

Existing literature suggests multiple potential roles for community health volunteers (CHVs) in the provision of palliative care (PC) in low- and middle-income countries. In Kenya the role of CHV in the provision of PC has not been reported. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, confidence, attitude, and clinical practice of community health volunteers after attending a novel palliative care (PC) training program.

Methods

A total of 105 CHVs participated in a 3-day in person training followed by a 1-month in person and telephone observation period of the palliative care activities in the community. Structured questionnaires were used pre- and post-training to assess knowledge acquisition, impact on practice, and content delivery. A mixed method study design was conducted 12-month post training to assess impact on clinical practice.

Results

Immediately after training, CHV provided positive ratings on relevance and content delivery. In the month following training, CHVs evaluated 1,443 patients, referred 154, and conducted 110 and 129 tele consults with the patients and PC providers respectively. The follow up survey at 12 months revealed improved knowledge and confidence in various domains of palliative care including symptom and spiritual assessment and provision of basic nursing and bereavement care. Focus group discussions revealed the CHVs ability to interpret symptoms, make referrals, improved communication/ interpersonal relationships, spiritual intervention, patient comfort measures and health care practices as newly learned and practiced skills.

Conclusions

We noted improved knowledge, new skills and change in practice after CHVs participation in a novel training curriculum. CHVs can make important contributions to the PC work force and be first line PC providers in the community as part of larger hub and spoke care model.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Impact of training on knowledge, confidence and attitude amongst community health volunteers in the provision of community-based palliative care in rural Kenya
Authors
Hussein Elias
Evelyne Kisembe
Sarah Nyariki
Ivan Kiplimo
James Amisi
Juli Boit
Allison Tarus
Naseem Mohamed
Kenneth Cornetta
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Palliative Care / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1472-684X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-024-01415-5

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