Clinical emergencies in inpatient hospice: simulation-based training to improve nursing confidence.

Objectives: This study aims to assess whether a simulation-based training programme focusing on palliative care emergencies conducted in a hospice setting could improve the self-reported confidence and competence of nursing staff.

Methods: A training programme was developed to enable nursing professionals to practice clinical skills necessary for recognising and managing palliative care emergencies including opioid induced respiratory depression, catastrophic haemorrhage, anaphylaxis, seizure and acute airway obstruction. Eight sessions were conducted.