Table 1 Combined results of internal and external evaluations of the study
Program Levels | Indicators | Results, including phase of the study and evaluation strategy in which this was demonstrated |
|---|---|---|
End results | What long term changes occurred as a result of the project? | • Improved knowledge of how/where to access information/medications/management by the team (Phases 1 and 2, online survey; Phase 3, focus groups) |
|  |  | • Increased knowledge of palliative care medications and their use (Phases 1 and 2, online survey; Phase 3, focus groups) |
|  |  | • Development of PILs - available on website of palliative care service (includes translations and MP3 files) (Phase 3) |
|  |  | • Care pathway developed (Phase 1) |
|  |  | • MRST developed (Phase 1) |
|  |  | • Toolkit for use by other palliative care services (Phase 3) |
Changes in practice and behaviour | How did practice change as a result of project participation? | • Acceptance of the role of a pharmacist within a team (Phases 1 and 2, online survey; Phase 3, focus groups) |
|  |  | • Use of medication sheets in nursing folder for chemotherapy and other medications (Phases 2 and 3) |
|  |  | • Documentation and process of obtaining emergency medications - reviewed as part of audit (Phases 2 and 3) |
Changes in knowledge, attitudes, skills and aspirations (KASA) | How did participants' knowledge, attitudes, skills and aspirations change as a result of project participation? | • Increase in knowledge and skills of team with respect to medications and their management, and on complexity of medication regimens (Phases 1 and 2, online survey; Phase 3, focus groups) |
Reactions | How did participants and clients react to the project activities? | • Project Pharmacist accepted as an allied health professional within the team (Phases 1 and 2, online survey; Phase 3, focus groups) |
|  |  | • Team very positive (Phases 1 and 2, online survey; Phase 3, focus groups) |
|  |  | • Patients/carers accepting of the Project Pharmacist as part of the team (Phase 2) |
Participants | Who participated and how many? | • Project Team, Steering Committee, External Evaluator, Team members, staff working at the palliative care service (all involved in consultation and communication strategies) |
|  |  | • 380 patients were screened using the MRST (Phases 2 and 3) |
|  |  | • 52 home visits to patients for medication review (Phases 2 and 3) |
Activities | In what activities did the participants engage through the project? | • In-services to team (Phase 2) |
|  |  | • Education and information sessions for SMRPCC members and health professionals working within this consortium and at another consortium (Phase 2) |
|  |  | • Medication screenings using the MRST and medication reviews in patients' homes (Phase 2) |
|  |  | • Conferences and seminars (Phases 2 and 3) |
|  |  | • Consultation with key stakeholders (all Phases) |
|  |  | • Newsletter articles (all Phases) |
Inputs | Which personnel and other resources were used during the project? | • Project Team/External Evaluator/Steering Committee (all Phases) |
|  |  | • Members of the team (all Phases) |
|  |  | • Staff working at the palliative care service (all Phases) |
|  |  | • Clinical supervision and support (Phase 2) |
|  |  | • Volunteers - assistance with reviewing and critique of PILs (morphine) (Phase 2) |
|  |  | • Liaison with outreach pharmacists, clinical trial pharmacists, key stakeholders (all Phases). |