Centre for Regional Engagement
Title: Enhancing the knowledge and skills of health professionals to better address the emotional and spiritual needs of palliative care clients and their families
Reference group: Health professionals and other experts in the area of pastoral care, counselling and support for palliative care clients and their families.
This two-year project (until mid-2008) has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing (Local Palliative Care Grants Program).
The purpose of the study is to gain information on ways of addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of clients and their families by improving pastoral care, counselling and support services. A memorandum of understanding was signed with Wakefield Health, Lower North Health, and Whyalla Aged Care Inc. Health professionals in palliative care, in particular in the areas of pastoral care, counselling and support, will be interviewed. A focus group will explore areas identified during the interview stage of the study. Knowledge gained will provide a basis for implementing improvements to professional development opportunities for multidisciplinary health professionals. A suite of multimedia educational resources will be developed to accomplish this.
Pastoral care project produces new learning tools.
Further enquiries: Cynthia Ofner or Bronwyn Ellis
