Self Directed Learning Package - University of Queensland

62 • The Palliative Approach ToolkitYou will have already seen both of these when completing theintroductory learning package but we encourage you to reviewthem again. They highlight important aspects of the informationyou will be reading about in this package. Each runs for less than15 minutes. To complete this package you need access to a DVDplayer so make sure you have that before you commence.We will ask you to reflect on the case studies of Bob and Alfredand to take note of important points. Throughout the packageyou will see these symbols:Thinking PointThinking Points indicate that you should stop andthink about the information, questions or ideas beingpresented. We encourage you to write down yourthoughts but this is not compulsory.Key PointKey Points highlight information or an activity thatis critical to your learning in this package.ActivityUnlike the introductory learning package, we ask you toundertake some activities. That is, you will be asked toapply what you learn to your workplace.AssessmentAt the end of this package are a series of questions that willassist you to demonstrate your understanding of the care of aresident who requires a palliative approach. You are encouragedto talk with your supervisor or education facilitator if you areunsure about anything in this package.How long will this take?We anticipate it will take you 3 hours to complete the SDLP. Thisestimate includes viewing time for the two DVDs (approximately26 minutes).Key PointPlease note for the purposes of this toolkit, nursewill refer to registered and enrolled nurses andcareworker will refer to personal careworkers,health careworkers and assistants-in-nursing.OK… LETS GET STARTEDKey PointBefore reading any further, watch the DVD “All onthe same page”. It is approximately 14 minutes longand you may want to take some notes of key points.While watching the DVD you were introduced to Alfred and hisdaughter Sarah.Case Study - AlfredAlfred is 82 years old and a retired school teacher. Alfred hastwo children: Andrew who lives overseas and Sarah who livesclose by and visits twice weekly.Alfred’s wife Alice was admitted to hospital after a severestroke and remained there, fed through a gastrostomy tubeuntil she died three weeks later of pneumonia.After Alice died, Alfred remained at home for nine monthswith increasing support from home care services. Numerousfalls and increasing difficulty with activities of daily living ledto admission 18 months ago to a residential aged care facility.Alfred was a heavy smoker until aged 65 but has notsmoked since.He has osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and fractured his hipthree years ago.He is experiencing short term memory loss but not enoughto lose his ability to make decisions. Alfred also has ChronicObstructive Airways disease (emphysema) and is unable towalk 20 metres before needing to rest. He has been admittedto hospital three times in the last six months for infectiveexacerbations of this condition requiring steroids andantibiotics. Alfred has not returned to his previous functionallevel after each episode.We will use Alfred and Sarah’s story to highlight importantpoints as well as using some other case studies along the way.