Impact of educational training in improving skills, practice, attitude, and knowledge of healthcare workers in pediatric palliative care: Children's palliative care project in the Indian state of Maharashtra

Background: The 'Children's Palliative Care Project' was initiated in October 2010 in the Indian state of Maharashtra with a view to improve the quality of life of children with life-limiting conditions. This study evaluates its education and training component through a questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out pre-/post-training among 258 doctors, nurses, social workers, and counselors at three sites in Maharashtra in March 2015. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: Sixty-two participants responded. Posttraining, doctors and the nurses had a better level of knowledge, skill set, and attitude; whereas social workers and counselors fared better with prevailing care practices. Participants advocated using morphine only when other analgesics had failed and suggested ways for better service delivery of care. Conclusion: The study gives a rough idea of the prevailing practice of pediatric palliative care among the health-care workers (who participated in the survey) and suggests practical ways to improve it.