The Practice of Palliative Care and Ethical Issues at End of Life

Course Description

This online enduring material presentation describes the role of a multi-disciplinary palliative care team with its varying branches of care, including the spectrum of bereavement. Dr. Vandermeer discusses the six step process of Standards of Capacity and Competence, Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA), including Advanced Directives. A three part approach is recommended when the "putting it all together" conversation must occur with families and loved ones. The speakers share tips of the do's and don'ts of the palliative dialogue with the "D" (death) word needing to be validated and realized with family. Although this topic can be difficult for providers, Dr. LaCoss and Vandermeers approach provides key elements simplifying treatment through end of life care.

Target Audience

This activity is designed to meet the educational goals of general medical staff and other healthcare professionals working, referring and associated with hospital emergency rooms.

Learning Objectives

• Identify ethical, regulatory and legal concerns related to palliative care
• Assess the shared decision making continuum with family, conversation tools including Spikes Model, Ask-Tell-Ask Model.
• Define palliative care in an hospital setting, capacity
• Define surrogacy and key decision making facets of palliative care

Physician Participation

Upon completion of viewing the online presentation, please follow the instructions at the end of the presentation to complete the evaluation. Once the evaluation is completed, the user will be provided the option to print their certificate.

Program Registration Information

Registration Fees

No Charge

Continuing Medical Education Credit - Accreditation Statement

The UT Health Long San Antonio School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Long School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of .75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accepts certificates of attendance for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME.

Healthcare professionals receiving a certificate of attendance should consult with their licensing board for information on applicability and acceptance

Release date: May 14, 2020     Credits expire: May 14, 2023

Credit may be obtained upon successful completion of the activity’s evaluation.

Hardware/Software Requirements

• Windows: Latest release of Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer 6/7 or Mozilla/Firefox
• Macintosh: Latest release of Chrome, Safari or Mozilla/Firefox

Faculty/Speakers:
Rachael Vandermeer, MD
Inpatient Pediatric Palliative Care Medical Director
University Health System, San Antonio, Texas

Rachael Vandermeer, MD has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Jennifer LaCoss, MD
Palliative Care Medical Co-Director
University Health System, San Antonio, Texas

Jennifer LaCoss, MD has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.