April 16th is Advance Care Planning Day in Canada

Planning for future healthcare needs is important.

• Who would you trust to make healthcare decisions?

• Do you know what would happen if you couldn’t communicate for yourself?

• Who would you trust to make those healthcare decisions on your behalf? 

Think about: 

• Who you would trust with making important decisions for you. 

• What matters most in your life and how that might help guide healthcare decisions you would want.  

Consider: 

• Do you know what would happen if you couldn’t decide for yourself?

• Who do you trust to make healthcare decisions that respect your wishes?

• Would that person (or people) be able to make important decisions about your health in an emergency?

• Have you spoken to anyone about what matters most in your life?

• What gives you strength in difficult times? 

• Are spiritual, cultural or religious beliefs, practices, or ceremonies are important to you?

The best time to think about this is NOW (in advance of a medical crisis), while you can make decisions and communicate for yourself. You have the power to choose who that person is. They can be a family member, a friend, or anyone in your life that you trust to make the kinds of healthcare decisions you would want. 

Ask yourself: If not you, who? 

Source: Advance Care Planning Canada

It is never too early, but it can be too late!

To learn more about Advance Care Planning in 5 Steps, visit Advance Care Planning Canada to access helpful free toolkits and guides to help you along the way. 

Palliative Care In-Depth Online Workshop

As faculty at McMaster University and a certified LEAP™ facilitator, I am again honoured to join my colleagues from the Division of Palliative Care at McMaster University to facilitate the Palliative Care In-Depth Online Workshop combining the curriculum of Pallium Canada’s LEAP™ In-Depth with McMaster University 3 Days in Palliative Care.

This is a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to continue learning about the palliative care approach and focus on different disease conditions and topics. The session schedule is designed to allow for national participation and clinical commitments.

This workshop has been developed for online delivery in partnership between Pallium and the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University. Sessions are facilitated by McMaster University faculty who are LEAP™ certified facilitators and experienced palliative care clinicians and educators.

TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
• Recap of the palliative care approach
• Unique situations
• Transitions in long-term care
• Heart diseases and advanced liver
• In-depth communication
• Renal and neurological diseases

Please contact support@pallium.ca with any questions about the course, or to register.
Want to learn more about Pallium Canada or LEAP™? Visit pallium.ca

Demystifying Grief and Honouring Loss: Exploring Healing While Caring for Others and Ourselves

I am incredibly honoured to deliver Virtual Palliative Care Grand Rounds, “Demystifying Grief and Honouring Loss: Exploring Healing While Caring for Others and Ourselves” at University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

In healthcare we move through an array of experiences, navigating acute emergencies, illness, death and a myriad of non-death losses, for ourselves, for all we love, and all we serve.

What about experiences that cannot be cured or fixed? As Dr. Kenneth Doka states, “Grief is a reaction to loss. We often confuse it as a reaction to death. It’s really just a very natural reaction to loss. When we lose any significant form of attachment, it’s the process of adjusting”.

There is no closure or “getting over” loss, nor are there finite timelines in grief.

We continue to grieve someone (or something) after loss and the cumulative effects and secondary losses that follow. Grieving the loss means learning to move forward, integrate, and metabolize the loss(es), while honouring the connection in meaningful and supportive ways.

In the face of trauma, loss and uncertainty, it can feel overwhelming to consider moving forward. Tedeschi & Calhoun highlight the importance (and benefit) of Post-Traumatic Growth, specifically:

• Traumatic events are not viewed as desirable

• Stories of others moving through trauma are always important in post-traumatic growth

• Strength is often correlated almost paradoxically, following an increased sense of being vulnerable

In Kitchen Table Wisdom, Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen writes, “The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without getting wet.”

There is healing power in connecting with the voices and stories of others. I am grateful to share a space to honour healing in healthcare, in the face of grief, loss, connection and community.

Undergraduate Medical Education: From White Coat to Blue Gown

I was incredibly honoured to once again facilitate this annual lecture in memory of Dr. Barbara Tatham at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University.

Barbara was a medical student at McMaster University and went on to become an innovative Family and Emergency Room Physician and collaborative Medical Educator. After enduring a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 32, Barbara died on October 16, 2019, a few short weeks after delivering her final extraordinary undergraduate medical education lecture, Barbara left us with her last lecture, a precious legacy, recorded at McMaster, selflessly demonstrating her indomitable spirit and compassion.

We have been fortunate to maintain contact with Barbara’s family since 2019. Their hope is that medical students while remembering Barbara’s empathy, will consider their own humanity as they go on to care for patients, families and themselves.

FREE Advance Care Planning (ACP) workbooks

April 16th is National Advance Care Planning Day in Canada

“If Not You, Who? Who would you trust to make your healthcare decisions? Planning for your future healthcare needs is important. So, we’re asking: Do you know what would happen if you couldn’t speak for yourself? Who would you trust to make those #healthcare decisions for you? 

You have the power to choose who that person is. They can be a family member, a friend, or anyone in your life that you trust to make the kinds of healthcare decisions you would want. 

• Think about who you would trust with making those important decisions for you. 

• Think about what matters most in your life and how that might help guide someone in making the kinds of healthcare decisions you would want.  

• The best time to think about this is now when you can speak for yourself. We have useful guides to help you along the way. 

Choosing a Substitute Decision-Maker (SDM)

Advance Care Planning policies can vary dependent on your province or territory. In order to ensure your end of life wishes are honoured it is crucial to have an understanding of your province or territory policies. This includes understanding what your #rights and #privileges are, as well as understanding the laws and regulations regarding end of life care, specific to your province or territory. While creating your advance care plan it is also important to make sure that you are using the correct documents for your province or territory. 

• Who do you trust most to make decisions for your health care that follow your wishes?

• Would that person be comfortable with making important decisions about your health quickly or in an emergency?

• Have you spoken to them about what matters most in your life? When someone knows what you value most in your life, they can make more informed decisions about your health care.

• What Matters Most? What does a good day look like for you?

• What situations do you find difficult?

• What gives you strength in difficult times?

• What spiritual, cultural or religious beliefs, practices, or ceremonies are important to you?

• What do you value more: the possibility of a longer life, or the possibility of a better quality of life? 

These questions can help guide you and your substitute decision-maker and assist them to prioritize what matters most to you when weighing care options.

April 16th is Advance Care Planning Day. So, ask yourself: If not you, who?” 

Source: Advance Care Planning Canada 

There are multiple FREE Advance Care Planning (ACP) workbooks, toolkits and guides specifically created to follow the provincial/territorial requirements for your advance care plan. Visit for FREE FREE Advance Care Planning (ACP) resources across Canada https://www.advancecareplanning.ca/acp-across-canada/

April 16th is National Advance Care Planning Day in Canada.

It’s about conversations. It’s about wishes. It’s how we care for each other.

Advance Care Planning is about having conversations with family and friends, especially your Substitute Decision Maker – the person who will speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself in case of a health emergency. It may also include writing down your wishes, and talking with healthcare providers and financial or legal professionals.

Advance care planning is a process of reflection and communication, a time for you to reflect on your values and wishes, and to let others know your future health and personal care preferences in the event that you are unable to consent or refuse treatment or other care.

1. Think about what is most important to you – your values, wishes and beliefs.

2. Learn about your overall health. This may include current conditions you want to better understand.

3. Decide on your Substitute Decision Maker(s), one or more people who are willing and able to speak, for you if you cannot speak for yourself.

4. Talk about your values, beliefs and wishes with your Substitute Decision Maker(s), family, friends and health care providers.

5. Record your values, wishes and beliefs in your Advance Care Planning Guide, in a letter, poem, video or audio recording.

Source: Advance Care Planning Canada

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

For more information on advanced illness, advance care planning, palliative care, end-of-life care and grief, please visit: 

Canadian Virtual Hospice www.virtualhospice.ca 

Living My Culture www.livingmyculture.ca 

Advance Care Planning Canada values a free, accessible and open shared knowledge amongst the community. The website provides you with all the necessary tools to inform yourself on the most recent advanced care planning updates and developments. For more information and FREE resources, visit: https://www.advancecareplanning.ca/

National Caregiver Day is the first Tuesday of April in Canada.

“More than 8 million family and friend caregivers in Canada are providing care in the home. Most caregivers will feel unprepared and overwhelmed at some point. If you are caring for someone who is ill or living with mobility challenges, these modules are for you.

Access them anytime of the day or night, as many times as you need, and at no cost (FREE) via https://www.virtualhospice.ca/caregiving/

These modules include useful information, strategies, and suggestions for preparing for and providing care as illness advances:

-Strategiesfor difficult conversations

-Video demonstrations of caregiving tasks 

-Guidance for recognizing and managing symptoms

-Suggestions for accessing programs and services

-Ways to care for yourself

Content is arranged in chapters and pages. Click a Chapter to see the pages and topics covered. You can move through the module pages using the list on the left-hand side or using the arrows at the bottom of the page. To return to the home page click the logo at the top left of the screen. Some modules include video clips showing how to do caregiving tasks or people sharing their experiences.”

Source: Canadian Virtual Hospice 

If you have questions, email info@virtualhospice.ca

#NationalCaregiverDay #CelebrateACaregiver

Medical Education: Honouring life, love, loss and legacy at McMaster University

Incredibly honoured to facilitate the Annual Dr. Barbara Tatham Memorial Lecture & thank her sisters Erica, Deanna & Laura for joining us to demystify grief, honour loss & explore healing while caring for others and ourselves. Honouring Dr. Tatham's life, legacy and brilliant contributions to Medical Education at McMaster University.

Honouring person and family-centred care is ESSENTIAL from time of diagnosis, throughout treatment, into remission, at end-of-life, and into bereavement.

A cancer diagnosis is traumatizing. Finding community, support and connection is essential in the face of trauma. Stories of others moving through trauma are always important in post-traumatic growth (Tedeschi & Calhoun). Strength is often correlated, almost paradoxically, following an increased sense of being vulnerable - of being human.

Today, please take a moment to connect with your breath, honour your strengths and make space for who and what matters most in your life. ❤️

Today is the Annual #TerryFoxRun. To support Dr. Tatham's life, legacy and indomitable spirit in the face of cancer, please donate to #TeamBarb https://run.terryfox.ca/team/teambarb

C. Elizabeth Dougherty Consulting Spring Newsletter

Exploring the Role of Social Work in Palliative Care

So grateful to speak with my friends and colleagues Drs. Hsien Seow and Sammy Winemaker on their podcast The Waiting Room Revolution.

We explored the role of Social Work in Palliative Care, the value of proactive and compassionate person and family-centred support following diagnosis of any serious illness, exploring loss and grief through to end-of-life and bereavement, creating space for essential conversations, and the healing power of silence.

Follow their podcast for essential tips and tools to navigate the healthcare system following diagnosis of a serious illness. To listen to our conversation, click here

C. Elizabeth Dougherty Consulting - Winter 2022 Newsletter

I am honoured to share my winter 2022 newsletter with free resources for individuals and families of all ages facing a complex illness, following diagnosis through to bereavement.

I am also grateful to also share teaching experiences including: undergraduate and graduate Social Work Education; undergraduate interdisciplinary education; and Interprofessional Education for healthcare providers and volunteers exploring informed conversations, honouring person and family-centred care, demystifying grief, and advocating for high-quality palliative care.

C. Elizabeth Dougherty Consulting - Fall 2021 Newsletter

I am honoured to share my Fall 2021 newsletter including resources for individuals and families of all ages facing a complex illness, following diagnosis through to bereavement. I am also grateful to also share my teaching experiences including: undergraduate and graduate Social Work Education; undergraduate Medical Education; and Interprofessional Education for healthcare providers exploring informed conversations, honouring person and family-centred care, demystifying grief, and advocating for palliative care.

Demystifying Hospice Palliative Care is essential!

National Hospice Palliative Care Week in Canada is May 2nd-8th, 2021.

Proactive and equitable access to Hospice Palliative Care is not standard, with barriers (including a lack of education, funding and research) contributing to the myths that impact delivering high-quality person and family-centred collaborative care. Integrated support for loss, grief and bereavement is lacking.

Did you know....

-Between 62% and 89% of those who die could benefit from palliative care, including nearly everyone who does not die unexpectedly

- 51% of the children who died in 2012 only received Paediatric Palliative Care for the last 30 days of their lives

-62% of Canadians who received palliative care did so in an acute care hospital in their last month of life

-Few Canadians (15%) have early access to palliative care in the community

-80% of the time, palliative care was provided during admission was unplanned or through an emergency department  

-Canadians between the ages of 45 and 74 are more likely than younger adults and older seniors to receive palliative care

-There are ~88 residential hospices and the majority require a prognosis of <3 months to be admitted

Source: CHPCA Fact Sheet 2021 

For more information, please visit the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association

How Equity-Oriented is Palliative Care?

Join us for the free (online) Elizabeth J. Latimer Lecture in Palliative Care "How Equity-Oriented is Palliative Care" with the extraordinary Dr. Kelli Stajduhar.

C. Elizabeth Dougherty Consulting Newsletter Winter 2021

Honoured to share my Winter 2021 newsletter including resources for individuals and families of all ages facing a complex illness, from diagnosis through to bereavement. Grateful to also share undergraduate and graduate Social Work education, along with medical education and interprofessional education for healthcare providers demystifying palliative care.

A Conversation... About Advance Care Planning, Life, Love, Loss & Legacy

SO grateful to have this conversation about Advance Care Planning, Life, Love, Loss & Legacy with Laurel Gillespie at Advance Care Planning Canada with the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.

Creating safe spaces for people to have informed conversations about wishes and values is so important. Exploring and honouring connections and meaning for any individual and family in the face of illness and loss can be invaluable.

Please join us for a discussion about these invaluable conversations, while also exploring ways to connect with healthcare providers, and most certainly, with those we love.

Consider who, and what, gives your life meaning? Not just at the end of life, but now. It’s never too soon, but it can be too late.

Click here to listen to this episode of “A Conversation With…”

FREE Advance Care Planning Webinar

This FREE webinar will demystify Advance Care Planning in Canada and explore the stigma alongside some common barriers. We will dive into better understanding of Advance Care Planning and why it is relevant for EVERYONE, especially now. Lastly, free national resources will be provided to assist in beginning these essential conversations. 

CLICK HERE to watch the full presentation.

Loss in the time of COVID: Exploring the Impact of Grief in the Year of the Nurse

I am deeply grateful to Nurses everywhere - for all that you do for so many and am truly honoured to join the compassionate clinicians in the Palliative Care Nurses Interest Group for the Registered Nurses'​ Association of Ontario (RNAO) virtual AGM on June 11th 2020 to present “Loss in the time of COVID: Exploring the Impact of Grief in the Year of the Nurse”.

COVID-19 Response – Free, Online Palliative Care Modules from Pallium Canada

Enhance your knowledge, skills, and practice in providing high-quality palliative care with these free, self-directed modules.

Pallium, in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), is providing access to essential education on palliative care for all health care professionals in response to this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. In these difficult times, it is more important than ever that all health care providers are equipped with the essential skills to provide compassionate, palliative care to patients in need.

Available modules

These modules are self-directed and completed at your own pace:

• Taking Ownership

• Advance Care Planning

• Decision-Making

• Managing Dyspnea

• Palliative Sedation

• Last Days and Hours

Additional Information

Pallium and CMA are making these 6 Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care (LEAP) modules available online for free to all health care professionals for 3 months (March 30 – June 30, 2020). These modules will help provide health care teams with an introduction to the palliative care approach focused on the important knowledge and skills required during the COVID-19 pandemic response. The modules are currently only available in English.

The Pallium Palliative Pocketbook can be found here. This best-selling book is a practical, one-stop resource with easily accessible information to help non-specialist physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers provide a palliative care approach when needed.

Additional learning opportunities to help you expand your knowledge in palliative care can be found on Our Courses page, including our newly available LEAP Online course.

Have any questions? Email anytime at: info@pallium.ca

Source: Pallium Canada

C. Elizabeth Dougherty Consulting December 2019 Newsletter

Excited to share my December 2019 newsletter with an update about free resources and community support for anyone facing serious illness, uncertainty and grief. Am also grateful to share recent teaching opportunities across Interprofessional Education, dedicated Social Work Education, a grief conference and two national webinars.

As always, I share free resources and information across my Social Media platforms. Please connect and follow me on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.