Serendipitous ripples: unexpected outcomes of a palliative care educational project.

Abstract

The Institute of Palliative Care in Ottawa, Canada, began its continuing education programs in 1994. Since 1997, the Institute has been developing and delivering a community-based, interdisciplinary palliative care educational program in each of the three regions of its jurisdiction. Members of the local communities work in active partnership with the faculty in the planning, implementation, and delivery of the programs. The comprehensive evaluation strategy includes a component referred to as "serendipitous ripples." These are outcomes that resulted directly from the programs, but were not anticipated. These outcomes reflect impacts on individuals and groups across the three regions and represent some significant impacts in the communities that should improve care of the terminally ill.