Evaluation of community health service center training base by Shanghai hospice care competent nurse trainees: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Enhancing the training of competent nurses in hospice care helps improve the quality of life for end-of-life care patients. The purpose of these interviews was to assess the quality of teaching and the adequacy of logistical support (including scheduling, training environment, and facilities) at the community-based terminal care competent nurse practice training base. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 eligible nurses specializing in hospice care from seven administrative districts in Shanghai between September and November 2024, using Colaizzi 7 method for analysis. RESULTS: The interviews generated three main themes, which are: Operational and Personalized Deficiencies in Course Content, The Evolution of the Hospice Care Concept, and Challenges in Translating Training into Practice and Broader Systemic Support. The interviewee highlighted that while the project is practical and enhances professional competence and life values, it faces challenges in areas such as promotion opportunities, motivation mechanisms, implementation of humanistic care, nurses' willingness to learn about hospice care, salary adjustments, public awareness of hospice care, outpatient resource constraints, and the inclusion of emergency end-of-life care. These issues need to be addressed for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: This study delves into the perspectives and feedback of hospice care nursing trainees on the current training programs, offering insights into enhancing and optimizing end-of-life care training projects by analyzing the strengths and areas for improvement in teaching content, scheduling, and philosophies. The findings support driving improvements in end-of-life care-related programs, including curriculum optimization, skill enhancement, expanded training scope, and ongoing public education.