Demystifying Palliative Care: Exploring a Wrap-Around Approach to Quality of Life

Thank you to Wellspring Niagara for the invitation to present “Demystifying Palliative Care: Exploring a Wrap-Around Approach to Quality of Life”.

It is important to acknowledge the barriers exist - to education, services, funding & resources.

Did you know that Palliative Care is:

• Appropriate for any person & or family living with, or at risk of developing, a complex illness due to any diagnosis, with any prognosis, regardless of age, & at any time they have unmet expectations & or needs, and are prepared to accept care

• May complement & enhance disease-modifying therapy, OR it may become the total focus of care

• Most effectively delivered by an interprofessional team who are both knowledgeable & skilled in all aspects of the caring process related to their discipline

• Treats all active issues & prevents new issues from occurring

• Addresses physical, psychological, social, spiritual and practical issues, & their associated expectations, needs, hopes & fears

• Prepares for & addresses self-determined life closure & the dying process;

• Assists in coping with loss & grief throughout the illness & into bereavement

Yet SO many barriers exist, including:

• Few Canadians (15%) have EARLY access to Palliative Care

• Palliative Care provided during admission to hospital was unplanned or through an emergency department 80% of the time

• 62% of Canadians who received Palliative Care did so in an acute care hospital in their LAST month of life

• Palliative Care is a patchwork of uncoordinated services

• Palliative & end-of-life care remain underfunded - receiving only ~1% of the overall investment in cancer research

• Mandatory education should be required for ALL healthcare providers due to the team-based nature of high-quality palliative care, including culturally safe palliative care, grief & bereavement supports

• Structurally vulnerable & marginalized communities including: Unhoused people, Indigenous communities, non-English speaking patients, young patients & 2SLGBTQ+ individuals & families face additional barriers to care resulting in inequitable access.

It is essential that we address barriers and stigma surrounding Palliative Care as this impacts access to care - for anyone facing a complex illness (curative or life-limiting).

The first week of May is National Hospice Palliative Care Week in Canada

National Hospice Palliative Care Week is an opportunity to highlight quality Palliative Care across the country. This week also serves as an opportunity to call for better education and access to Palliative Care for ALL across Canada.

Palliative care is active, collaborative, compassionate and integrated person and family-centred care, for anyone, of any age, facing ANY stage of complex illness.

“Canadians should have access to affordable, culturally safe, high-quality palliative care regardless of where they live and in what setting they choose to receive care. Promoting and supporting the need for improved development and delivery of early, active, competent and compassionate palliative care is essential. This includes expert pain management; skilled psychosocial, emotional and spiritual support; and comfortable living conditions with the appropriate level of care – whether at home, in a hospital, at hospice residences or in any other settings of choice.” Source CCS

To access 10 Myths about Palliative Care, visit Canadian Virtual Hospice

For more information about Palliative Care in Canada, please visit:
The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association
Canadian Virtual Hospice
The Canadian Cancer Society

FREE Individual Student Bereavement Plan

Returning to school can be a time of tremendous grief bursts - both expected and unexpected: from completing emergency contact forms after a parent/caregiver has died (is dying) or absent in any capacity; seeing families together when a parent or sibling is in hospital, hospice or is no longer present; witnessing the range of emotions when people talk about summer experiences filled with joy and connection when grief, loss, an accident, illness and absence has been their experience instead… While not readily visible, grief will continue to influence the life of a student impacted by loss (as they live with navigating the ongoing impact of grief & grieving).

You can access the FREE Individual Student Bereavement Plan via NACG

“This document is a resource for supporting students returning to school after they have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives. When a student returns to school, they may feel alone and challenged by the task of engaging with their daily routine. Schools are in a unique position to provide support for students with thoughtful plans specific to the individual’s needs. Students grieve developmentally, and their needs are unique and changing throughout the days, months, and years ahead. Those students that need and receive grief support have improved outcomes socially, emotionally, and academically.” Source “Individual Student Bereavement Plan”

Source: NACG

FREE National Community-Based Primary Palliative Care Community of Practice (CoP)

I am honoured to be co-presenting “Practical Tips: Lessons from the Front Line”, the final session in the National Community-Based Primary Palliative Care Community of Practice (CoP) series. This Continuing Professional Development is FREE for all health care professionals is part of The Palliative Care ECHO Project led by Pallium Canada.

This community of practice focuses on supporting primary care clinicians to integrate primary palliative care in their practices. It is geared towards interprofessional primary health care providers across Canada. Each session is accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

This is the final session in the second series, which includes 11 sessions taking place on a bi-weekly basis. All webinars are recorded and available for playback. Topics include:

Pain: Beyond the Basics: November 9, 2022

Communication: Part 1: November 23, 2022

Communication: Part 2: December 7, 2022

Palliative Care and Substance Use Disorders: January 18, 2023

GI Symptoms in Palliative Care: February 1, 2023

Delirium: February 15, 2023

Spiritual Care and Rituals Around Death and Dying: March 1, 2023

Palliative Sedation: March 15, 2023

Grief and Bereavement: Beyond the Basics: April 12, 2023

Practical Tips: Lessons from the Front Line: April 26, 2023 from 1–2:00 p.m. ET
 
Interested in becoming a part of this FREE COP? Visit The Palliative Care ECHO Project

C. Elizabeth Dougherty Consulting Spring Newsletter

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.

Myths about Palliative Care

It is so important to demystify the incredible scope and breadth of Palliative and end of life Care. For National Hospice Palliative Care Week in Canada (May 2nd- 8th), I am re-posting a great resource from CVH - an incredible source of evidence-informed Hospice Palliative Care resources for individuals, families, healthcare providers or volunteers serving anyone facing life-limiting illness, grief and bereavement. 

An infographic about 10 myths that are often encountered in Palliative Care (also available in French, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Catalan, Chinese, Cree, Hebrew, Inuinnaqtun, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish and Tagalog).

Source: Canadian Virtual Hospice

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.

The Saturation of Grief in the time of COVID, Honouring Loss and Exploring Healing

Honoured to present "The Saturation of Grief in the time of COVID, Honouring Loss and Exploring Healing" for Ethics and Diversity Grand Rounds organized by Ethics & Care Ecologies Program at Hamilton Health Sciences with Dr. Andrea Frolic.

Exploring universal yet unique experiences of loss and grief in healthcare, alongside the stigma, and creating brave spaces for healing is essential - for ALL involved - especially now.

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.

Exploring the Language of Loss: Caring, Supporting and Empowering

Honoured to offer "Exploring the Language of Loss: Caring, Supporting and Empowering" as the Opening Keynote for the PalCare Network 2018 Fall Symposium.

This workshop will explore the language of loss while also examining tools and resources to support individuals, families, and ourselves. 

Objectives:
1. Examine the impact of loss in person and family-centred care
2. Encourage the caregiver to engage in the dialogue of loss
3. Explore self-care as an essential element of professional practice 

For more information about the PalCare 2018 Fall Symposium, or to register, please visit: http://www.palcarenetwork.org/

From Diagnosis to Bereavement: Engaging the Public Across the Continuum

Excited to present "From Diagnosis to Bereavement: Engaging the Public Across the Continuum" at the 2018 Partners in Care: Central West Palliative Care Network Annual Conference. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Consider systems challenges impacting care of people facing dying and loss;
2. Examine psychosocial implications for individuals, families and healthcare providers facing illness, grief and bereavement; 
3. Explore compassionate community events as essential opportunities to engage the public following a life-limiting diagnosis through to bereavement. 

For more information, or to register, please visit: http://cwpcn.ca/en/annual-conference/

Innovative Undergraduate and Graduate Social Work Programs at Wilfrid Laurier University

Honoured to be teaching with the Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University again this year. Excited to be teaching "Social Work Practice with Groups" to the Undergraduate Bachelor of Social Work Program, and "Advanced Practice with Families" to the Graduate Master of Social Work Program. 

For more information about the innovative B.S.W Program or the M.S.W. Program, please visit:  
https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/faculty-of-social-work/index.html

Honoured to be on Faculty for the National Learning Institute hosted by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association

Honoured to have been on Faculty for the National Learning Institute hosted by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) in Ottawa (June 14th-16th).

The CHPCA’s Learning Institute brings together healthcare professionals from across the country for an intense learning weekend. The program is directed towards intermediate and advance learning levels and is facilitated by specialist Hospice Palliative Care Clinicians, Educators and Researchers from across Canada, together with international leaders, making a sophisticated caliber of educators and mentors. This is the only event of its kind in Canada.

For information about the event, please visit: http://conference.chpca.net/about/

Breaking Down Barriers in the Context of Complex Illness, Uncertainty and Grief

Am truly honoured to be presenting "Breaking Down Barriers in the Context of Complex Illness, Uncertainty and Grief" at the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers 2018 Annual Meeting and Education Day.

Serious illness, dying and grief remain taboo in society, yet the diagnosis of a serious illness has a profound impact on an individual and their loved ones, and often results in feelings of uncertainty, isolation and grief.

This presentation will explore the role of social work and social service work in providing compassionate care for individuals and families of all ages following the diagnosis of a complex illness, at end of life and into bereavement. I will speak to the roles of social work and social service work in providing education to demystify these issues and further advocate to break down barriers while promoting greater access to support, within our own practice and within our communities.

For more information, please visit:  http://www.ocswssw.org/members/amed/2018-amed/

Exploring the Faces of Loss: Caring, Supporting, Empowering

Excited to facilitate this interactive workshop at the 11th Annual Day in Faculty Development with the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University.

This interactive workshop will engage learners and faculty by exploring the common language of loss through different scenarios while also examining tools and resources to support families, learners and ourselves.

Objectives:

1. Examine the impact of loss in person and family-centred care
2. Encourage the learner to engage in the dialogue of loss
3. Explore self care as an essential element of professional practice

For information, or to register, please visit: https://fhs.mcmaster.ca/facdev/online_registration.html

Breaking Down Barriers: The Role of Social Work and Social Service Work in the Context of Complex Illness, Uncertainty and Grief

Honoured to present "Breaking Down Barriers: The Role of Social Work and Social Service Work in the Context of Complex Illness, Uncertainty and Grief" at the OCSWSSW 2018 AMED.

"Serious illness, dying and grief remain taboo in society, yet the diagnosis of a serious illness has a profound impact on an individual and their loved ones, and often results in feelings of uncertainty, isolation and grief. This presentation will explore the role of social work and social service work in providing compassionate care for individuals and families of all ages following the diagnosis of a complex illness, at end of life and into bereavement.

Elizabeth will speak to the roles of social work and social service work in providing education to demystify these issues and further advocate to break down barriers while promoting greater access to support, within our own practice and within our communities." 

For information, or to register, please visit: OCSWSSW

Many healthcare students and providers do not feel prepared to encounter dying and death

Am excited to co-facilitate this event with the Division of Palliative Care at McMaster University as we discuss, "What makes life worth living in the face of death?".

Many healthcare students and providers do not feel prepared to encounter dying and death. As part of our 100% Certainty Project. Death: Something to Talk About, this event will feature: the stunning memoir When Breath Becomes Air; will show the brilliant TED Talk from Dr. Lucy Kalanithi; and will conclude the evening with a Death Cafe where we will discuss how to make the most of our finite lives.

Dinner is provided. Registration is required and space is limited. All healthcare disciplines are welcome!

For information, or to register, visit:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/100-certainty-project-death-cafe-tickets-43946860242 

Burlington Death Café. In Celebration of World Hospice Palliative Care Day

In Celebration of World Hospice Palliative Care Day, and in support of the Burlington Compassionate City Charter and the Carpenter Hospice, the Burlington Death Café will be held on October 11th, 2017 from 7-9pm at Emma's Back Porch.

Death Café is an international movement where people, often strangers, gather together to eat, drink and discuss death. The objective is 'to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives’.

At Death Café, you can expect a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group, rather than grief support or a counselling session. It is a respectful, public event where people of all communities and belief systems are welcome to have discussions about death.

Interesting conversation is guaranteed!

This is a free public event, but seating is limited. For information, or to register, please visit Eventbrite

For more information about Death Café, please visit http://deathcafe.com/