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Macmillan L&D grant evaluation regarding Advanced Painand Symptom Management course run by Sobell House

2011

Reason for choosing course:I am working as a specialist palliative care practitioner and it metthe need for me to keep up to date with the latest evidence ofbest practice. The course was presented by leading specialistsin their area and included latest research results.

Experiences of doing the course:Good to have time away from clinical work to concentrate totally on learning.Nottingham University provided a learning environment.Excellent quality learning materialUp to date informationNetworking with other professionals from UK and abroad. Discussions of issuesraised during teaching sessions.Even when some of the information was not new to me it confirmed my practice wasup to date.National and international speakers.

Learning objectives:Yes my learning objectives were achieved. Hard copies of presentations wereforwarded to me afterwards which was very helpful.

Sharing information with others:I feedback the information to my team. Some members of team have used thelearning material for their own learning and educational courses.It enables me to use the information gained to educate doctors and district nursesand use the course as evidence to my advice.One research outcome presented at the course was about treatment of constipation.I use this on a daily basis and I can back up my advice by evidence from the course.Constipation is a common symptom in palliative patients but there is little researchbased advice on choice of treatment.I am more confident in advising professionals and patients and carers because Iknow I am up to date and accurate.

Impact on services:In addition to the above reasons, attending prestigious courses like this keeps me atthe forefront of specialist palliative and supportive care. I work in community andmeet with patients and carers every day so my client group benefit first hand from myeducation. As above, I am involved with education of primary health care teams so Ican pass on this information in this way.

I would recommend this course to others. In addition to the reasons above, for me itwas accessible. I did not have to travel too far and therefore not arriving tired when Ineed to be alert for learning. Accommodation was offered which I accepted becauseit reduces the stress of driving and arriving on time.I would have preferred it to be near a rail station ideally, but otherwise no complaintsof venue.

On first looking at the course price it seemed expensive to me. I probably would haveto seriously consider raising the money myself.

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When I take into account the venue, organisation, 2 day event and the quality of thespeakers and information I would probably say the cost is realistic.

Plan for next learning and development:I am currently planning some liaison visits to specialist hospital teams to learn moreabout services and treatments provided in my region for patients in my care. I amincluding non-cancer specialists in my learning.I would also like to learn more about psychological support techniques such as CBTI do not have any formal courses booked at present.

If you have any suggestions for courses which may be of interest please let meknow.

Wendy StatonCommunity Macmillan CNSAshgate HospiceAshgate RoadOld BramptonChesterfieldS42 7JDTel: 01246 568801