Training modules for a palliative approach in residential aged care

The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (the Department) is providing these training modules to assist aged care homes to implement the 'Guidelines for a Palliative Approach in Residential Aged Care' (Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2004).

The Department contracted Edith Cowan University to develop the Guidelines and a possible training framework for the implementation of the Guidelines. These training modules have built on those recommendations.

To support further implementation of a palliative approach in residential aged care the Department is working with Palliative Care Australia, the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council and the Queensland University ofTechnology. Palliative Care Australia (PCA) is currently working with the Department to develop a plan for national workshops for residential aged care staff regarding implementation of the Guidelines.

The attached training modules will build on these workshops and support residential aged care educators in providing in-house training for staff to provide a palliative approach for residents. The Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council (CSHISC) are working with the aged care sector to determine if a palliative approach in residential aged care should be incorporated in the Training Package for Aged Care Workers. Queensland University of Technology are developing a Principles Paper for a Palliative Approach for Aged Care to be incorporated in the Undergraduate Nursing Curricula. 

The training modules in this package may assist in implementing a palliative approach, by providing staff and management with an understanding of the benefits of such care. Additionally, in working through the modules, staff and management may also think about implementing or amending policies and procedures regarding a palliative approach in their aged care home.

It is recommended that the training be conducted by an educator who is qualified in workplace training and has knowledge regarding aged care and/or palliative care. The modules align with the chapters of the Guidelines and it may be useful for the trainer to use the Guideline tables and scenarios to assist in the delivery of training. The time spent on delivery of each module will be at the discretion of the trainer and depend on the exposure that participants may already have to working within a palliative approach.

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8928 Training modules for a palliative approach in residential aged care
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