On October 5, 2015, an interprofessional education day, “Integrating a Palliative Approach to Care,” was held in the Paetzold Auditorium at Vancouver General Hospital. Over 200 clinicians attended while others tuned in to webcasts across VCH and other health authorities.

The day long event was organized by the palliative and the clinical education programs and supported by VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, VGH Palliative Care Program, VGH School of Nursing Alumane Building Society/Association In-House Education Fund and the BC Centre for Palliative Care.

Dr. Kelli Stadjuhar began the day describing what is meant by a palliative approach to care and eencouraged participants to adopt and adapt the foundational principles of palliative care to the care of all patients with life-limiting illnesses.

Clinical experts, Dr. John Duncan, Kaillie Kangro, social worker, Maureen Shaw, clinical nurse specialist and Dr. Pippa Hawley spoke about ways to integrate a palliative approach into the care of renal, dementia and cancer patients that included the development of new pathways and new ways of thinking.

Dr Doris Barwich, a presenter at the conference, who discussed advance-care planning and goals of care conversations.

Pearls of wisdom from specialists in palliative care were shared. Dr Wendy Yeomans provided an overview of pain management. Dr Shalini Nayar, described assessment and management of dyspnea. Dr. Greg Egan, pharmacist, reviewed pathways to consider when treating nausea and vomiting and Jill Longhurst, physiotherapist and Yin Case, occupational therapist discussed functionality and the role of rehabilitation.

Throughout the day, the audience indicated their support of this approach to care, but many expressed apprehension as to how to change, particularly in relation to communication with patients and families about their illnesses and goals of care. This important aspect of care was expertly addressed by the final speaker, Dr. Doris Barwich, who discussed advance-care planning and goals of care conversations.

The participants’ interest in a palliative approach to care across all sectors inspired the day and made it a successful event. We hope that this will be an annual event to share our common goal of providing the best we can in patient care.

Thank you to the volunteers who helped make the day a success!

Webcast links

Links to the webcast are now available on CCRS.