A Novel Use of Peer Coaching to Teach Primary Palliative Care Skills: Coaching Consultation

Background We aim to address palliative care workforce shortages by teaching clinicians how to provide primary palliative care through peer coaching. Intervention We offered peer coaching to internal medicine residents and hospitalists (attendings, nurse practioners, and physician assistants). Measures An audit of peer coaching encounters and coachee feedback to better understand the applicability of peer coaching in the inpatient setting to teach primary palliative care. Outcomes Residents and hospitalist attendings participated in peer coaching for a broad range of palliative care–related questions about pain and symptom management (44%), communication (34%), and hospice (22%). Clinicians billed for 68% of encounters using a time-based billing model. Content analysis of coachee feedback identified that the most useful elements of coaching are easy access to expertise, tailored teaching, and being in partnership. Conclusion/Lessons Learned Peer coaching can be provided in the inpatient setting to teach primary palliative care and potentially extend the palliative care work force.