Using Participatory Action Research to Sustain Palliative Care Knowledge and Readiness Among Latino Community Leaders

Abstract

Objective

We examined the effectiveness of nurse-led training on palliative care knowledge and advance care planning readiness with Latino leaders.

Methods

As part of a larger participatory action research study, we used a one-group, pretest–posttest design to evaluate Latino leaders’ preparation to share information during home visits with Latinos with advanced cancer. Using Spanish and English materials, 2 palliative care nurse specialists provided a 10-hour training plus a 6-month, post-training booster session. The Palliative Care Knowledge Scale (PaCKS) was administered at baseline (T0), post-training (T1), and 10 months post-training (T2). The Advance Care Planning and Engagement Survey (ACPES) was administered at T0 and T2.

Results

Among the 15 leaders, 93% were women and 73% were of Mexican heritage. There was a significant increase in the PaCKS score between T0 and T1 (Md_T0 = 10; Md_T1 = 12, z = −2.15, p _exact = .031) and T0 and T2 (z = −2.49, p _exact = .008) with a medium-to-large effect size (r = .45). There was a significant increase in ACPES scores between T0 and T2.

Conclusions

Nurse-led training of Latino community leaders improves palliative care knowledge and may bolster the palliative care infrastructure in emerging Latino communities.