Clayton, J.M., Hancock, K.M., Butow, P.N., Tattersall, M.H.N., & Currow, D.C. (2007). MJA, . 186(12): S77-S108. Learning Activities Completed Activities Observe an experienced health professional discuss end-of-life or poor prognostic information with people affected by cancer. Outline how the guideline recommendations outlined were implemented in the interaction. Reflect upon your own life and clinical experiences and describe your thoughts, feelings and attitudes regarding death and dying. Making Appropriate Referrals Referrals to health professionals or services are sometimes required to provide specialised support or address more complex issues beyond the capabilities of the team. Recommendations for referrals include: The referral should be made by the health care provider as this is more likely to result in service use. Structured referral sheets are useful checklists that can be completed at the time of screening or assessment. The referral checklist can include prompts for the nurse as to the criteria for referral and include suggestions for referral linked to these criteria. Examples of referral tools are available on the website. The development and dissemination of referral guidelines is a useful strategy for the nurse to clearly identify the internal and external supportive care resources available. The referral guidelines would be more effective if the supportive care services were involved in their development and dissemination. The referral guidelines need to be applicable to the circumstances and address local issues. Fewer than 10% of people are actually referred for psychosocial help despite having needs identified. Reasons for the lack of follow up include:, Inappropriate timing of referrals Clinicians not knowing the supportive care resources available Clinicians not asking about supportive care needs Clinicians not able to skillfully introduce the supportive care service. Inappropriate timing of referrals Inappropriate timing of the referral can result from issues such as not being ready to acknowledge current difficulties or their current difficulty in coping, not wanting to share their issue with other
Clayton, J.M., Hancock, K.M., Butow, P.N., Tattersall, M.H.N., & Currow, D.C. (2007). . MJA, 186(12): S77-S108. Learning Activities Completed Activities Observe an experienced health professional discuss end-of-life or poor prognostic information with people affected by cancer. Outline how the guideline recommendations outlined were implemented in the interaction. Reflect upon your own life and clinical experiences and describe your thoughts, feelings and attitudes regarding death and dying. Making Appropriate Referrals Referrals to health professionals or services are sometimes required to provide specialised support or address more complex issues beyond the capabilities of the team. Recommendations for referrals include: The referral should be made by the health care provider as this is more likely to result in service use. Structured referral sheets are useful checklists that can be completed at the time of screening or assessment. The referral checklist can include prompts for the nurse as to the criteria for referral and include suggestions for referral linked to these criteria. Examples of referral tools are available on the website. The development and dissemination of referral guidelines is a useful strategy for the nurse to clearly identify the internal and external supportive care resources available. The referral guidelines would be more effective if the supportive care services were involved in their development and dissemination. The referral guidelines need to be applicable to the circumstances and address local issues. Fewer than 10% of people are actually referred for psychosocial help despite having needs identified. Reasons for the lack of follow up include:, Inappropriate timing of referrals Clinicians not knowing the supportive care resources available Clinicians not asking about supportive care needs Clinicians not able to skillfully introduce the supportive care service. Inappropriate timing of referrals Inappropriate timing of the referral can result from issues such as not being ready to acknowledge current difficulties or their current difficulty in coping, not wanting to share their issue with other
EdCaN-Specialty-Module-Five-Cancer-Supportive-Care-Principles.docx