This guide advises a minimum set of end of life care learning courses currently available in My Health Learning. Other online training models are listed at the end of this guide.

The purpose is to signpost these resources to support consistent care across clinical services and groups. This information will be reviewed regularly.

Log into My Health Learning and search for the course codes for the following three modules.

The three modules have been assembled as an ‘End of Life Learning Pathway” within My Health Learning (see course code 309170283 for the Learning Pathway).

Introduction to Advance Care Planning

This module is intended for use by clinicians working in the NSW Health system.

Course Code: 39997722

Duration: 30 minutes

Objectives

The aim of this module is to raise clinician awareness of advance care planning including:

  • defining key terms used in advance care planning
  • describing why advance care planning is important
  • identifying the goals of the NSW Health Strategic Plan for Advance Care Planning for Quality Care at End of Life
  • discussing the process for advance care planning
  • locating resources available to assist in advance care planning.

SHAPE End of Life Conversations

This module provides a step by step communication framework for clinicians to conduct effective end of life conversations with patients, families and carers.

The module is most appropriate to clinicians in hospitals, who do not regularly have end of life conversation as part of their role. The content is targeted at doctors, nurses and social workers.

Course Code: 88619342

Duration: 30 minutes

Objectives

  • to identify the benefits and opportunities to timely initiation of end of life conversations for patients, family carers and the health system
  • to recognise barriers, challenges and cultural aspects of initiating conversations about deteriorating prognosis and end of life issues
  • to apply the relevant ethical, legal and professional frameworks that guide work in this area
  • to demonstrate knowledge, skills and confidence in having these conversations with patients, families and carers in a range of clinical scenarios.

Note: the associated face to face workshop (Course Code: 102982753) is not presently available.

End of Life Supportive Care

This module has been developed to provide support and direction for staff caring for a person during their last days of life in areas other than a palliative care unit. This resource does not address the ethical, legal or physical care of the dying person.

Course Code: 69280181

Duration: 30 minutes

Objectives

  • ensure that care of the dying person is managed with dignity and comfort and that their family and carers are supported
  • address the requirements related to caring for a person during their last days of life including care plans, referrals, culture, religion, spirituality and organ and tissue donation
  • identify and access support systems and services for yourself, other staff, relatives, carers and patients affected by a death.

Resources

The following resources are also available, outside of My Health Learning. Please note that elements of these modules will not be applicable for COVID-19 patients (e.g. not specific for infectious disease with rapid deterioration).

End of Life Essentials

End of Life Essentials includes education and resources for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to improve the quality and safety of end-of-life care in hospitals.

Current modules are:

  • dying, a normal part of life
  • patient-centred communication and shared decision making
  • recognising end of life
  • planning end-of-life care – goals of care
  • teams and continuity for the patient
  • responding to concerns
  • emergency department end-of-life care
  • paediatric end-of-life care
  • chronic complex illness end-of-life care
  • imminent death – how to respond.

Last Days of Life toolkit

The Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) has developed a number of tools and resources to support end of life care provision in general hospital settings, covering recognition of approaching death, symptom management, social, spiritual and cultural needs, and bereavement support. Refer to Last Days of Life toolkit for more information.

Document information

Developed by

  • Health and Social Policy Branch
  • Health Education and Training Institute.

Consultation

Palliative Care Community of Practice.

Endorsed by

Dr Nigel Lyons, Deputy Secretary, Health System Strategy and Planning.

For use by

Non palliative care clinicians anticipating providing end of life care.​

Current as at: Friday 12 June 2020
Contact page owner: Health Protection NSW