Join us on October 5, 2015 in the Paetzold Auditorium at VGH, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, to learn practical ways on how you can use a palliative approach to care within your practice setting.

In a health care system focused on cure and treatment and a culture that equates palliative care with dying and last days or weeks of life, opportunities to improve symptoms and quality of life at an earlier stage in chronic disease treatment are often missed.

What is a palliative approach to care?

A palliative approach to care applies palliative care principles such as, dignity, hope, comfort, quality of life and relief of suffering to the care of people with chronic, life-limiting illnesses. It is not linked too closely with prognosis but more broadly focuses on conversations with patients and families about their needs and wishes, comfort measures, support for psychosocial, spiritual and cultural issues; information requirements and provisions for death and care after death. It reinforces the person’s autonomy and right to be actively involved in his or her own care. It occurs across all settings, preferably in the setting of the patient’s choice.

Session goals

Clinical experts will guide you through new practices to integrate a palliative approach to care with particular reference to dementia, renal disease and cancer. Experts will offer “pearls of wisdom” in the management of pain, dyspnea, delirium, nausea and vomiting and the measurement of functionality, a key component to discharge planning. Staff who complete the education will receive a certificate of completion and have something new to add to their resume.

Who should attend?

The Palliative Approach to Care education session is open to clinicians from acute, community and residential across Vancouver Coastal Health, Providence and BCCA. Webcasting is also available throughout VCH, Providence and BCCA!

Date, time and location

Monday, October 5, 8:30-4:30 at the Paetzold Auditorium, VGH
Cost: No Fee

Lunch will be provided enabling you to enjoy mingling with colleagues and experts!

Register now

VCH & Providence staff register on CCRS.
To join via webcast from your desktop register here.

Registration Deadline: September 18, 2015

Please help spread the word to your colleagues! Printable poster here.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email Elizabeth.Beddard@vch.ca or Lisa.Bower@vch.ca.