PC 500 - Foundations of Palliative Care

Course overview

his online CE course provides students with perspectives from a physician with extensive experience in palliative care. Students will learn from the author about pain, medications, psychosocial and spiritual support, communication, and the general palliative care system, as well as other aspects of end-of-life care. The course begins with an explanation of the history of palliative and end-of-life care, in comparison with the field in modern times. A shift to life expectancy and prognosis occurs, leading into in-depth discussions regarding symptom management which medications and non-medication interventions are best suited for individual diseases and symptoms (pain and non-pain related) occur throughout the course. The course also discusses hydration, nutrition, and antibiotics in end-of-life care, and pros and cons for each. Psychosocial and spiritual aspects of care are equally important as the medical side, which is also presented in the course. Then, the course outlines the much-needed changes that need to occur in the palliative and hospice field. Although it is difficult to change the system as a whole, the book author discusses "a better understanding of the system is the first step in being able to work and improve that system" (p. 203). Toward the end of the course, students will learn about burnout, compassion fatigue, and the many stressors which arise while working in this field. Lastly, students will learn about "the last 48 hours" (p. 239), and what to look for when someone is in the active dying stage. Students will be able to obtain a broad range of valuable knowledge to help work with patients and families during a vulnerable and stressful phase of life