2019; Volume 20, No 7, July
Announcements, Resource & Events
Announcements
Crossroads of Grief Project on Bereaved Children Research
‘It is estimated that 1 out of every 7 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling before the age of 20.’ This stark statistic underlies the search for evidence-based research undertaken by the Children and Youth Grief Network, based in Canada.
The network compiled a literature review a few years ago, and has recently issued an update titled, Crossroads of Grief Project — Grieving or Bereaved Children: Literature Review 2015-2018. [The review is available here, through virtualhospice.ca.]
The 74-page update, performed by Media Watch’s Barry Ashpole and psychotherapist Andrea Warnick, is grouped by the following topics:
- Children’s understanding of death and dying
- Pre-death and Post-death (including: In the classroom)
- Intersection of grief, diversity & social barriers
- Grief and implications for long-term impact
- Programs and interventions
- Assessment tools
- Education/training initiatives
The new review shows a significant increase in research of the emotional and practical needs of this age group, the authors state, much of it from Scandinavian countries. But gaps remain, particularly in vulnerable populations, such as Aboriginal and LGBTQ children and those with developmental difficulties.
Scholarships for IPOS Academy on Communication in African Oncology
An Academy on the theme of Optimizing Communication in African Oncology Settings is being held in Maputo, Mozambique, 3-4 November 2019.
The International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) has developed the academy in partnership with colleagues in Africa and in collaboration with the African Association for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC). The goal is to train attendees on evidence-based practices around communication to reduce suffering and social stigma as main barriers to early detection and treatment of cancer in African oncology settings.
Scholarships will be awarded to key health care professionals working in direct contact with cancer patients in Africa. Scholarships will cover costs of training, flight, hotel, and meals up to a certain amount; the number of scholarships is dependent on funding.
For more information, go to: www.ipos-society.org/News/7553153
Butterfly Children’s Hospices Seeking Trustees
Butterfly Children’s Hospices in China seeks volunteers to join its international Board of Trustees.
‘We have become a beacon for children’s palliative care services and training in China,’ the organization states. ‘We are now working in partnership with government, hospitals, social welfare institutions and professional associations, to develop and support holistic models of children’s palliative care across China.’
People with the following areas of expertise, or connections to those with the skills, are sought:
- publicity, media, and marketing
- legal issues, possibly including intellectual property law
- experience of NGOs working in China
Having connections to patrons, high-net-worth donors, philanthropists, and trust bodies, etc., is also desirable. Current trustees are based in the UK, Australia, Hong Kong, and China. New trustees can be based anywhere in the world.
To apply, send a cover letter and CV to: [email protected]. For more information, go to www.butterflyhospice.org/trustee-vacancies.
Reader Recommended
A book that has continued to inspire me is Dying Well by Ira Byoch, M.D. (Riverhead Books, New York, 1997). I believe two very important paradoxes have been highlighted through the use of real life stories. One, that people can become stronger and more whole as they physically decline and the end draws near. Second, to allow oneself to be totally cared for by the family can be seen as a final parting gift; the receiver now becomes the giver and vice versa.
To quote Dr. Byoch: ‘The actual experience of dying is not captured by a purely medical perspective that sees only problems. When the human dimension of dying is nurtured, for many the transition from life can become as profound, intimate and precious as the miracle of birth.’ This realization can make all the difference in the quality of life of those under our care as it restores dignity and adds meaning to suffering.
Harmala Gupta, Founder & President, CanSupport
Do you have a resource that could help others? Send it to the editor: [email protected]
Resource
iPal Global App Delivers Essential Medicines Intel
iPal Global is a free, downloadable app for a smart phone, tablet, or desktop computer that gives health care clinicians access to essential palliative care information in any care setting. The app uses the IAHPC’s List of Essential Medicines for Palliative Care, designed to reflect the most effective and safe commonly available medicines throughout the world.
‘Suggested management for typical symptoms of advanced illness is tailored for use in resource-constrained environments where clinicians have limited access to medications and therapies,’ according to Dr. Romayne Gallagher, Clinical Professor, Division of Palliative Care, at the University of British Columbia, Canada, who co-developed the app. ‘My experiences teaching palliative care in Belize and Malawi were helpful in including practical information.’ The content of the app is evidence-based and has been reviewed by clinicians working with Two Worlds Cancer Collaboration.
The app contains:
- information on when a palliative approach to care is indicated, and advice on information to be shared with the patient and/or caregiver.
- basic assessment and management of 22 symptoms.
- assessment and management of the last hours of living.
- advice for planning future care and decision-making.
- a section to improve the therapeutic efficacy of communicating.
- suggested approaches to specific situations, such as breaking bad news, and prognosis and goals of care.
- a section on self care.
Talk tips are placed throughout the app in appropriate situations. The app is available for both Google and Android devices.
Calendar of Events
The following events were added last month to the IAHPC Calendar of Events:
- I Congreso Internacional de Cuidados Paliativos Emocionales is being held 2-3 August 2019 in Cuernavaca, Mexico.
- The 2nd Uganda Conference on Cancer and Palliative Care is being held 5-6 September 2019 in Kampala, Uganda.
- ‘Future Directions of Hospice Care: IPU or ITU?’ is being held 14 October 2019 in London, United Kingdom.
- A Pan-Arab Palliative Care Conference with the theme ‘Palliative Care in Arab World: The Way Forward’ is being held 13-14 October 2019 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- A course titled ‘Palliative Care: Medical Intensive’ is being held 18-22 November 2019 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
- An Advanced Pain & Palliative Care Workshop EPEC-Pediatrics is being held 20-23 November 2019 in Rome, Italy.
Find the workshop, seminar, congress, or conference that speaks to you in the IAHPC Calendar of Events, updated monthly, that lists activities of special interest to those who work in palliative care. Or submit an event for consideration; it’s free!
