These pages provide access to resources and literature relevant to the practice of palliative care for physiotherapists.
Role in palliative care
This information will help you to find out more about working in palliative care. It may include narratives from those working in the area, descriptions of the role, or identify why the position is important.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (UK) has produced a position statement entitled 'The role of physiotherapy for people with cancer'.
The European Association of Palliative Care (EAPC) has established a taskforce on education for physiotherapists in palliative care. It is working towards defining a ‘global’ definition of physiotherapy in palliative care.
The care and management of patients with lymphoedema often falls within the remit of a physiotherapist. The Australasian Lymphology Association has further information.
Palliative care education and training
There are different ways to develop your knowledge and skills in palliative care. Web based learning modules, short courses and specialist palliative care courses and training are offered in many organisations and universities. Further information can be found on the Education pages of CareSearch.
The Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA) provides an opportunity for health, aged and community care professionals (including physiotherapists and other allied health professionals) working in primary care or non-specialist palliative care settings to improve confidence and develop skills in working with people with palliative care needs. PEPA offers workforce placements of up to five days in specialist palliative care services and tailored workshops in the palliative approach. There is no fee for placements. Participation meets continuing professional development requirements for AHPRA. The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
The Occupational Therapy unit at James Cook University offers a postgraduate course 'Allied Health interventions for Palliative Care' which would be relevant for physiotherapists.
The Australian Physiotherapy Association regularly runs professional development activities in the area of palliative care.
Under the National Law, which governs the operations of the National Boards and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, all registered health practitioners must undertake Continuing Professional Development.
Research
Many health professions may be interested in looking at palliative care research questions in their area of specialty. This may be work that is planned for the future. Any palliative care professional regardless of discipline is able to access the CareSearch Research Data Management System (RDMS), a tool developed to support research in palliative care.
Resources
Databases
Palliative care links and information
Palliative Care Australia (PCA) is the peak national organisation representing the interests and aspirations of all who share the ideal of quality care at the end of life for all. It has produced the following policy documents:
The Department of Health and Ageing website has a palliative care section.
Free Full text Article
Related CareSearch pages
What is palliative care?
Clinical practice
Professional and Service Issues
Some of the following PubMed Topic Searches and Systematic Review Collections may be of interest
Finding Evidence
Last updated 15 March 2012