This topic addresses particular palliative clinical issues and clinical decision making for older people with a life limiting illness within residential aged care facilities and community settings. Palliative care in these settings typically occurs over a protracted period and involves 3 discreet forms; a palliative approach, specialised palliative care and terminal care. Rather than the inexorable decline characteristic of a person in the palliative phase of many malignancies, physical deterioration in aging typically occurs intermittently and from multiple non-malignant conditions. A crucial skill is the assessment and clinical management of each new symptom & differentiating between the irreversible progress of an already diagnosed medical condition and a potentially reversible symptom requiring acute intervention. Unique aspects of pharmacokinetics within the aging population are also explored. Issues of addressing and documenting patient wishes regarding interventions and care in the event of further deterioration in mental and physical function is introduced. Also explored is the experience of physical, social and psychological dying. Introduction to the ethical and legislative issues pertinent to this area of practice.
This topic aims to broaden student knowledge and understanding of the palliative care needs of older people across a variety of care settings.
Timetable details for 2021 are no longer published.