The Division of Palliative Care at McMaster University hosts annually an innovative immersion week in palliative care for Canadian students currently enrolled in health care professional schools such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, social work, rehab sciences, and chaplaincy.

This student focused interprofessional Palliative Care Institute is the first of its kind in Canada.

In this dynamic educational program, 50 students spend a formative week together achieving core competencies in Palliative/End of Life Care.

The institute follows a format of interprofessional problem based learning, with a focus on integration of core concepts of palliative care competencies. Self reflection and professionalization will be woven into the course content and structure.

Objectives

• To learn core competencies articulated by the Health Canada Palliative/End of Life Care curriculum
• To understand the basic principles of palliative/end of life care based on the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) norms of practice and WHO definitions
• To experience the interprofessional nature of palliative care and gain an understanding of the role of each health care discipline in end of life care.
• To be exposed to palliative care programs, care settings, teams, and patients and families receiving care.

Topics

• Pain and symptom management
• Psychosocial and Spiritual Care
• Framework and concepts of Ethical Decision Making
• Communication in End of Life Care
• Effective Interprofessional Teamwork
• Suffering
• The Dying Process
• Bereavement
• Dealing with Changes in Functions
• Selfcare

How Much?

Students' home universities will be asked to provide some sponsorship for their students to help defray costs such as travel ($1000 contribution). Cost of the students will be minimal once sponsorship from their home university is secured.

Accommodations

Accommodations will be provided at one of the student residences on campus. Details will be provided after registration. Most meals will be provided during the week-long course.

Course Materials

Course manuals will be provided.

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Further inquiries about the program may be directed to:

Lindsey Glazier, Administrative Assistant Division of Palliative Care
Phone: (905)-525-9140 ext. 20483
Email: glazier@mcmaster.ca