Self Directed Learning Package - University of Queensland

69 • Self Directed Learning Package - Advanced Registered & Enrolled NursePalliative care caseconferencesA palliative care case conference is a meeting held between aresident (and/or their family) and their health care providers.The aims are to:• identify clear goals of care for the resident including a reviewof any advance care plans• provide a safe environment where issues and questions aboutend of life care can be raised and appropriate strategiesagreed upon for future care.Sometimes there may be differing views about end of life care.Having everyone with a stake in a resident’s care ‘on the samepage’ is vital to achieve the best outcomes for the resident.Key PointPalliative care case conferences should not be:• used as an opportunity for health careprofessionals to debate a resident’s medicalstatus; in this situation, a separate meetingshould be convened prior to the case conference• saved for ‘crisis’ situations; a preventativeapproach is advocated where issues areanticipated before they become major dilemmas.Thinking PointImagine Alfred is a resident at your facility. As a nursewith a special interest in the palliative approach, youhave been asked to organise and facilitate a palliativecare case conference to plan care to respond to hisrecent deterioration.PlanningA palliative care case conference may take a few weeks toorganise. Pre-planning is essential. Having one person with theoverall responsibility for this ensures nothing is overlooked.ActivityWorking through the planning check list (see Module 2),think carefully how you would specifically undertakeeach of these tasks in the facility where you work.Review all forms related to case conferences in Module 2.Determine if there are any changes needed to integratethem into your facility. Add your organisation’s logo- make changes to the templates as desired – i.e. getthem ready for use.Are there any barriers or issues that may get in the wayof your planning?