WW Interdisciplinary HPC Conferences

These conferences are sponsored jointly by the Physicians’ Palliative Education Funds and the
WW Interdisciplinary Palliative Education Funds

See  previous presentations

Spring Palliative Education Evening – March 21, 2023

  • Time: 5:00-8:00 (Conference check-in begins at 4:00 pm)
  • Cost: $30.00
  • Bingemans, Ballroom, Kitchener (Directions)
    • A sit-down dinner will be provided
    • Cash bar open 5-7pm
  • Flyer
  • Registration – Deadline: March 3, 2023

Keynote Address – A Strained Healthcare System:  Leveraging Systems Thinking, Ownership, and Quality Improvement to Improve Palliative Care Access

Dr. José Pereira
Professor Catedratico, Faculty of Medicine, University of Navarra, Spain; Professor, Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University; Cofounder/Scientific Advisor, Pallium Canada

Access to palliative care across Canada is best described as a patchwork, with areas of excellence and opportunities for improvement. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted areas for improvement and an opportunity to redesign. It has emphasized the need for systems thinking and that palliative care is everyone’s responsibility. This presentation will explore these topics, drawing on examples in the Waterloo Wellington area and elsewhere.

Breakout Presentations:

  • Adult Clinical Presentation – An Introduction to the Serious Illness Conversation Guide

Rachael Halligan
MD, CCFP, FCFP

This presentation will provide participants with:

    • an understanding of the need for and rationale for a systematic approach to improving conversations about patient values, priorities and goals while living with serious illness.
    • a brief overview of the structure and components of the Serious Illness Guide
    • an eagerness to learn more about the role each of us can play in providing “more, better and earlier conversations” with those living with serious illness.
  • Adult General Presentation – The Basics of Palliative Spiritual Care

Gord Alton
Div RP Supervisor-Educator (CASC); Spiritual
Care Provider, Lisaard & Innisfree Hospice and HCCSS.

In the ministry of palliative care, many clients/patients struggle with conflicting thoughts, feelings, and longings related to their illness and the reality of dying.  Spiritual care involves creating a safe place where these soul dynamics can be explored, bringing about understanding, comfort, and inner peace. This presentation will explore how we can develop a safe therapeutic relationship with the people we visit so that we can help clients find meaning and hope, hold their anxieties and fears, and explore their feelings in a non-judgemental way.    As we do so, this allows for greater understanding and the dynamics of the sacred to emerge in our client’s experience.

  • Paediatric Presentation – Grief and Children: Tips and Tricks for Providers

Gregorio Zúñiga
Assistant Professor, Div.Pediatric Palliative Medicine, McMaster University

This presentation will cover how children and parents grieve the loss of a child. We will explore practical approaches and how to support them before, during and after death.

Fall 2023

Coming