Self Directed Learning Package - University of Queensland

132 • The Palliative Approach ToolkitThinking PointDo you think Alfred needed a palliative care caseconference?Let’s look at the facts. He was admitted to hospitalthree times in the last six months for worsening of hisairways disease and has not returned to his previouslevel of function after each episode. After a discussionabout the goals of his care, the aged care teamdecides to organise a palliative care case conference.Key pointAs a careworker, you will not be expected to decideif a resident has reached the palliative care phase.However your observations will help the nurses andGP make this decision.What is a palliative care link nurse?A palliative care link nurse (or champion) agrees to takeon a special role, promoting and facilitating a palliativeapproach within the RACF. A link nurse may:- promote and model the palliative approach- coordinate the implementation of the PA Toolkit- act as the ‘link’ person for external providers (e.g. GPs,specialist palliative care services, allied health, clergy)- assist with auditing or quality improvement processes- conduct in-service training for staff.Who organises a palliative care caseconference and who should attend?Alfred’s daughter Sarah, Alfred’s GP, and a nurse and careworkerfrom the facility attended Alfred’s palliative care caseconference. The nurse organised and facilitated the conference.Attendees may vary depending on what is being discussedand who is available. However the following people should beconsidered:• resident (if capable)• legal decision maker/medical power of attorney• family members• residential facility staff including a nurse and careworker• allied health e.g. speech pathologist, occupational therapist,physiotherapist, social worker, dietician• clergy or pastoral care worker• specialist palliative care nurse or GP.A palliative care case conference may take a few weeks toorganise. It is usually organised by a nurse from the residentialfacility, often a palliative care link nurse.