Introduction

This interactive learning module aims to give the user an overview of current practice in Palliative Care. It will take roughly 6 hours to complete. TDGP has applied to RACGP QA & CPD Program for approval as part of an Active Learning Module (ALM). Total points 30 (Category 1). Points allocation is not guaranteed. Please email TDGP if you would like to confirm the points status: tdgp@tdgp.com.au

Audience

GPs with an interest in Palliative Care

System requirements

To use this on line module you will need a broadband connection to the internet. Alternatively, please contact TDGP if you would prefer to perform the learning from a CD ROM: tdgp@tdgp.com.au. For non-TDGP members there may be a small administrative charge for postage and packing.

For the CD ROM the following hardware is suggested

Windows PC or Apple Mac or other hardware and software combination that supports:

CD ROM drive (if supplied on CD)

Internet connection (any speed)

Internet Browser software (eg Microsoft Internet Explorer, Safari (Mac), Mozilla Firefox

Email client (eg Microsoft Outlook Express or Outlook, Mail (Mac) or other mail client)*

Microsoft Word or other application to open resources in .doc format

Adobe Acrobat Reader or other appliaction to open resources in .pdf format

Graphics card that supports video at 480 x 360 pixels

Speakers and / or headphones

*Please note, some email clients (such as Microsoft Outlook) are extremely wary of other programs (such as Internet Browsers) attempting to send emails using their functionality. Hence you may receive warnings when you try to submit forms. In this instance, there is no risk to your computer or data.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the palliative care approach and related ethical issues.

• Be better equipped to communicate and support the needs of palliative patients and their family.

• Have an increased awareness of the need for good communication and documentation when part of a multidisciplinary team providing palliative care.

• Have a knowledge of the legal matters when caring for a dying patient

• Be more confident in managing pain and other symptoms.

• Be able to assess needs, promote advocacy and facilitate informed patient choices of management.

• Have access to contacts and resources available to assist in the management of palliative care patients.

• Be able to problem solve when providing palliative care.

Pre-reading required

Therapeutic Guidelines - Palliative Care, version 2 2005. TG may be purchased from the TG web site or print out order form (current at June 2006).

Instructions

The module has a number of sections. It is intended that the user will follow these sequentially at their own pace. The module does not need to be completed in one sitting. The sections are:

1. This introductory page

2. Pre-course questionnaire and pre-reading material

3. A self-marking pre-test

4. Supporting slides. Please print / open before viewing video (point 5)

5. Training video. Dr Will Cairns, Palliative Care Specialist, Townsville. Recorded in Townsville, November 2005

6. Case study

7. An self-marking post-test

8. An evaluation and Statement of Completion form

9. Resources and References

Resources

1. Answers Pretest & Post-test

2. Advance care planning

   • Austin Health information, either as PowerPoint slides, or a pdf document. Please note, the pdf file may load in portrait format into your browser. You may prefer to right click on the link and choose "Save target as" and save the file to your hard drive. In this way you can open the saved version in any application you have for viewing pdf files (eg Adobe Acrobat reader) and rotate the slides to view them in landscape format

   • Respecting Patient Choices – Information Guide for GPs





3. Queensland Powers of Attorney Act:

   • Advanced Health Directive Form

   • Advanced Health Directive- Fact sheet

   • Enduring Power of Attorney – Fact sheet

   • Statutory Health Attorney – Fact Sheet

   • What your Patient Might Ask You About AHDs





4. Assessment of Mental Health Capacity

   • Extract from Assessment of Mental Health Capacity - Guidance for Doctors and Lawyers

   • Order form - Assessment of Mental Health Capacity

   
   
   

5. Resolving conflict in end-of-life care – journal article

Acknowledgements

Created with a grant from Queensland Health Centre for Palliative Care Research and Education