New online module in delivery of palliative care
A new online education module will support GPs in caring for older patients with progressive illnesses who are living in the community and aged care facilities.
Decision Assist, in partnership with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Royal Australian College of General Practice (RACGP), have partnered to make the module available through ACCRM’s Rural and Remote Medical Education Online (RRMEO) portal.
The module is also available through RACGP’s ‘gplearning’ online portal by creating a free membership account. This free account will provide access for a period of six months to a range of selected activities.
In announcing the new module, Professor Liz Reymond says she is pleased the module release coincided with National Palliative Care Week, with its theme of Dying to talk: talking about dying won’t kill you.
“Decision Assist, ACRRM and RACGP all recognise that too few older Australians make their end of life care preferences known to their families and GPs,” Professor Reymond says.
“The partnership between these organisations to deliver an online module that helps GPs to provide high quality palliative care is likely to lead to more older Australians having their voices heard so they receive the right palliative care, at the right time and in the environment of their choice.
“The new module will enable GPs to learn to apply a framework of care, based on trajectories and to identify the palliative care needs of older patients in a mindful and proactive way.
“Most GPs say they prefer face to face education, but this is not always possible, effective or efficient. Online education has long been established as an effective way for GPs to receive continued professional development in their own time and on their own terms.”
The module will also be of particular interest to GPs in rural and remote areas.
The Decision Assist program is enhancing the delivery of advance care planning and palliative care to older Australians, by providing education and support to GPs and aged care staff nationally.
Funded by the federal government, Decision Assist also includes a 24/7 telephone advisory service for health professionals, specialised workshops and a dedicated website featuring the latest information and advice about advance care planning and palliative care.
