Physician Training in End of Life Care
Last updated on December 1, 2021Action Plan Commitment on Training for End of Life Care: Strengthen family physicians and home health teams providing end of life care through training beginning in April 2012.
What does this mean for me?
When a person has a life limiting illness, it is important to understand the health care treatments that are available to manage the symptoms of the disease, and what is important to ensure the best possible quality of life for both the patient and their family through the course of the illness. Patients and families look to physicians and home health teams for guidance and support during this very difficult time.
New training materials have been developed to help physicians and home health teams improve the quality of care of patients with life-limiting and chronic illnesses. Physicians learn how to identify patients who could benefit from a palliative approach to care. They also improve their communication skills for advance care planning conversations and improve collaboration with specialists, patients, families and caregivers.
These materials were developed through the Practice Support Program (PSP) which offers focused training sessions for physicians and their medical office assistants for efficiency and better patient care.
This program will strengthen family physician and home health team knowledge about end of life care and support for patients and families facing life-limiting illness.