The Pulses Project

In 2017 I supported The Pulses Project by providing technical and hosting support.

Abstract

Medical learners in oncology (cancer care) training programs often lead discussions with cancer patients about code status, that is, patients’ wishes for use or non-use of life-sustaining resuscitation interventions including CPR. Learners receive little training for these complex encounters; yet, decisions regarding resuscitation wishes can influence the quality of care received by cancer patients at end of life. In this study we conducted a survey of trainees and program directors in Canada to better understand current educational practices and attitudes towards education on this topic. Most trainees are not receiving formal teaching or evaluation, and new educational resources are needed. We then developed a 6-step communication guide for code status discussions. We studied the effect of a training workshop in which the communication guide was taught to learners in oncology. We found that the training program improved communication ability among learners with the greatest impact seen among junior learners