Palliative Care and Pain Management at the End of Life

This course is designed to bridge the gap in knowledge of palliative care by providing an overview of the concept of palliative care and a discussion of the benefits and barriers to optimum palliative care at the end of life. Central to this discussion is an emphasis on the importance of talking to patients about the value of palliative care, of clearly presenting the prognosis and appropriate treatment options and goals, and of ensuring that advance planning is completed. The majority of the course focuses on the assessment and management of the most common end-of-life symptoms, with particular attention to pain, the most prevalent, as well as the most distressing, physical symptom. Psychosocial and spiritual needs of the patient and family are also discussed. Palliative care presents unique challenges for some patient populations, most notably older patients, children/adolescents, and patients receiving critical care. An overview of the most important issues specific to these settings is provided.

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This course fulfills the requirement for California-licensed physicians who must complete 12 hours of pain management and the appropriate care and treatment of the terminally ill. This activity is designed to comply with the requirements of California Assembly Bill 1195, Cultural and Linguistic Competency.

Learning Objectives

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the concept of palliative care as distinct from hospice care, including a discussion of challenges, benefits, and strategies for optimal palliative care and symptom management at the end of life.

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

  1. Describe how the definition of palliative care has evolved.
  2. Define the structure of palliative care delivery, including models of care and the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
  3. List the benefits of palliative care at the end of life.
  4. Anticipate the barriers to optimum delivery of palliative care through hospice.
  5. Effectively engage the components of communication and decision making for end-of-life care.
  6. Identify the common concerns and symptoms at the end of life for patients with life-limiting diseases.
  7. Discuss the barriers to effective relief of pain at the end of life.
  8. Assess pain accurately through use of clinical tools and other strategies.
  9. Select appropriate pharmacologic and/or non- pharmacologic therapies to manage pain in patients during the end-of-life period.
  10. Assess and manage the most common symptoms (other than pain) experienced by patients during the end-of-life period.
  11. Evaluate the psychosocial needs of patients at the end of life and their families and provide appropriate treatment or referral.
  12. Recognize and address the spiritual needs of patients at the end of life and provide appropriate treatment or referral.
  13. Develop a strategy for providing care to patients and their families over the last days and hours of life.
  14. Support appropriate grief and mourning.
  15. Explain the specific challenges and ethical considerations in delivering optimum palliative care to older patients, children, and patients in critical care settings.

Additional Information

Partner: 
NetCE
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 15.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Course opens: 
11/01/2024
Course expires: 
10/31/2027
Cost:
$105.00
Rating: 
0

Available Credit

  • 15.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Price

Cost:
$105.00
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This course is offered through NetCE.

To take this course you will be redirected to NetCE website. You must login or create an account with NetCE in order to complete this activity. 

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