Watch The Presentation
Presentation Description
Institution: Healthecare Forster - New South Wales, Australia
SHINE: a rural palliative care patient education initiative
Aim:
Early referral to palliative care has been shown to improve outcomes. The SHINE program was developed as an information and education provision initiative targeted at a rural population.
About:
- The SHINE program is a four-week course for patients and carers diagnosed with a life-limiting illness helping them live life to the fullest and empowering patients with the knowledge to access and utilise support in a rural setting.
- SHINE included a multi-disciplinary approach with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, mindfulness specialists, general practitioners and the local outpatient and inpatient palliative care teams.
- SHINE sessions included energy conservation, carer training, symptom management, advanced care planning, the opportunity to complete legal documents, the role of GP in care, mindfulness, exercise programs, information about the service and the chance to connect with other patients undergoing similar experiences.
- Group size was limited to a maximum of 14 for a more personal holistic experience. Local volunteer group support was obtained, and consultation was sought to ensure cultural sensitivity for participants.
Results:
On completion, the patient feedback survey included the following:
On completion, the patient feedback survey included the following:
- “I thought I was alone caring for my husband; now I have support. Thank you for this opportunity.”
- Meeting the palliative care teams was great; I now understand their role and how to receive a referral from my GP. It was great to see the available services and feel comfortable contacting them”.
- The OT energy conservation talk was brilliant, it has changed my life.”
- “I enjoyed getting to know other people and sharing experiences. I didn’t realise how much I didn’t know.”
The program's success was confirmed through the collection of pre-and post-outcome data.
Conclusion:
Patient & carer empowerment and understanding may be enhanced in small group sessions within a rural community to improve palliative care outcomes
Presenters
Authors
Authors
Mrs Emma McLeod - Palliative Care Forster , Mr Arron Veltre - NSW Health , Mrs Sally Drury - NSW Health
