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Difficult conversations are an important part of healthcare, but they can also be among the most challenging. A recent nursing-led research project at Kenmore Mercy Hospital found that the hospital’s Palliative Care Champion Course is helping associates feel more prepared and confident when discussing goals of care with patients and families.
The study, led by Victor Miranda, BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, Nora Balon, DNP, FNP-C, and Thomas Nader, BSN, RN, examined the long-term impact of the multidisciplinary Palliative Care Champion Course. Researchers evaluated participants before the course, immediately afterward, and again three and six months later to assess changes in readiness, comfort, and perceptions of multidisciplinary collaboration.
What began as a research concept in April 2025 evolved into a comprehensive study of the Palliative Care Champion Course. Following a literature review, survey development, and Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, researchers gathered data from two course cohorts through 2025 and into 2026. Data collection concluded in May 2026, with analysis completed the following month. The research team spent July and August 2026 disseminating findings and preparing a manuscript and have hopes to submit for publication before the end of 2026.
Developed in response to identified discomfort among associates regarding goals-of-care, the two-day course brings together participants from nursing, pharmacy, spiritual care, provider services, speech language pathology, and other disciplines. The curriculum includes role-playing, simulation, small-group discussions, videos, and real-time polling to help participants build practical communication skills.
“Our goal was to determine whether the knowledge and skills gained in the course would continue to benefit participants long after the class ended,” said Victor Miranda, who works in Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). “What we found is participants not only felt more prepared immediately after the course, but that readiness continued to grow in the months that followed.
Researchers found significant improvements in participant readiness from pre-course surveys through the three-month follow-up period. Comfort levels also increased substantially after the course and remained higher than baseline levels over time. Additionally, participants consistently reported high satisfaction with the course’s multidisciplinary approach.
One of the most encouraging findings was the value of bringing different disciplines together for learning. Participants reported strong appreciation for hearing diverse perspectives and learning how various healthcare professionals contribute to palliative and end-of-life care.
“Palliative care is truly a team effort,” said Victor Miranda. “When nurses, providers, chaplains, social workers, pharmacists, and other team members learn together, they gain a deeper understanding of one another’s roles and are better equipped to support patients and families.”
The research also identified opportunities for future program enhancements. Participants shared that the course was more emotionally demanding than expected, suggesting a need for additional emotional and spiritual support resources. Researchers also noted a desire for more information related to community-based and home-based palliative care services.
Based on the findings, the research team recommends continuing the course as a multidisciplinary offering, expanding support resources for participants, and repeating the study with additional course cohorts. The team also plans to submit the research for publication.
This project reflects Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s ongoing commitment to advancing evidence-based practice and empowering associates with the knowledge and skills needed to provide compassionate, patient-centered care at every stage of life.
