Build and Deliver a Sustainable Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) Education Training Program and Build a PPC Leadership Network-A Pilot Project

Abstract

Background: There was limited development of Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) to be exactly found in Bangladesh and even within Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where there was no structured PPC education for the nurses. The lack of trained professionals in this field was the critical importance to the quality of care provided to children with life limiting conditions by creating many more children with insufficient pain management and emotional support.

Methods and Materials: In person nurses training conducted at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) followed by the Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration (TWCC) guidelines. A purposive sampling technique was also used for the 20 registered nurse participants.

Results: The project increased nurses’ knowledge and skills, particularly in symptom management and communication with families. The nurse leaders discussed and implemented PPC protocols in their departments, increasing the institutional awareness and support for PPC services.

Discussion: Project success included heightened nurse competence and the development of a leadership network which ensured long term sustainability. But there were challenges like lack of access to essential medications or resistance from certain hospital departments. These barriers identified the need for assistance through further institutional support and resource investment.

Conclusion: The project was successful in creating PPC education and leadership at DMCH and provided a scalable model for other hospitals in Bangladesh. For PPC services to be sustained and scaled across the country, continued mentorship and institutional backstop were necessary.