Education and Training

Applications invited for the 8th online batch of the IAPC’s ‘Certificate Course in Essentials of Palliative Care’

Registrations are open for the much-awaited course, the IAPC’s ‘Certificate Course in Essentials of Palliative Care’ (CCEPC).

This is a basic course in palliative care and is intended for doctors and nurses. The course aims to inculcate the principles of palliative care in everyday practice for doctors and nurses to improve patient care through proper communication and effective management of difficult symptoms.

The 8th online batch of the IAPC’s CCEPC will be delivered in two parts: A mandatory theory ‘Part A’ component and a practical hands-on ‘Part B’ component (recommended but optional).

The theoretical ‘Part A’ component of the upcoming batch will be held as half day sessions over 3 weekends (Saturdays: 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sundays: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) on 6th, 7th, 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th January 2024. Select Clinical sessions will be held separately for Doctors and Nurses.

As a commitment towards constantly improving ourselves, the IAPC has worked upon the feedback and suggestions received till date and has made the application process as seamless as possible by allowing candidates to submit applications via an e-application form. This simple improvisation supports our course coordinators greatly and helps them manage and track applications more efficiently.

For further details about the course and to submit e-applications, please click here. The last date to submit applications is Saturday, 30th December, 2023.

DELHI-IAPCCON 2023 – A successful academic extravaganza

DELHI-IAPCCON 2023, the first Annual conference of Delhi State Chapter of Indian Association of Palliative Care was conducted from 17th to 19th November 2023, at AIIMS, New Delhi. The conference, organized by the Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, AIIMS New Delhi, unfolded as a dynamic platform for professionals in the field. The conference was attended by more than 250 delegates and faculty members.
 

Day 1, 17th November,2023:

Day 1 featured engaging pre-conference workshops on the following topics:

  • Nursing perspective in Palliative Care
  • Point of Care Ultrasound in Palliative Care
  • Research & Publication
  • Physiotherapy in Palliative Care
  • and NDPS Act.

The pre- conference workshops were attended by physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, and pharmacists. The workshop set the stage for collaborative learning and knowledge exchange. The day concluded with a faculty dinner at the AIIMS Faculty Club, providing a casual setting for valuable networking opportunities.

Day 2, 18th November, 2023:

 Day 2 programs commenced with the oration by Dr. SVS Deo (Head of the Department, Department of Surgical Oncology, AIIMS, New Delhi). He spoke about “Integration of Palliative Care in mainstream oncology”. It was followed by a grand inauguration ceremony. The occasion was graced by Dr. M. Srinivas (Director, AIIMS, New Delhi), Dr. Randeep Guleria (Former Director, AIIMS, New Delhi), and Dr. GK Rath (Former Chief of Dr. B.R.A IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi).

Panel discussions were held on the following topics:

  • Pulmonary Palliative Care
  • Neuro-Palliative Care
  • Palliative Care in End Stage Renal Disease
  • and Geriatric Palliative Care

Panel discussions highlighted the expanding role of palliative care in non-oncology scenarios.

A poster presentation competition showcased cutting-edge research and advancements in the field and was presented enthusiastically by the delegates.

Day 3, 19th November, 2023:

The momentum continued on Day 3, with a ‘Meet the Expert’ session, providing a deeper understanding of various aspects of cancer care. This session discussed various topics such as Procurement and safe dispensing of opioids, Difficult Cancer Pain, Advanced Wound Care, Nutrition in Cancer, Home Based Palliative Care, and Breaking the Bad News. This was followed by three more panel discussion sessions on Role of Anticancer therapies in Palliation, Paediatric Palliative Care, and End of Life Care. Various other important topics such as advance care, psychosocial issues, communication, survivorship etc. were also discussed. Poster Presentations were continued on day 3 also.

A booklet “A guide to basics of Palliative Care” was launched in the conference. Dr. Gowri Nambiar Sengupta (Deputy Director General (PH) and Director, Central Health Education Bureau), Dr Sushma Bhatnagar (Chairperson, DELHI IAPCCON 2023 and Chief, Dr. B. R. A. IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi) and Dr. Seema Mishra (Organising Secretary, DELHI IAPCCON 2023) graced the occasion. The booklet is a combined effort of the Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, and Central Health Education Bureau (CHEB) and is meant for medical and paramedical professionals and general public. A quiz competition was also held.

The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony and a valedictory function acknowledging the remarkable contributions of participants.

“DELHI-IAPCCON 2023, provided a comprehensive platform for diverse professionals to exchange insights, fostering knowledge, and contributing to the advancement of palliative care”, said Dr. Seema Mishra, organising secretary of DELHI-IAPCCON 2023 (Chairman, IAPC Delhi Chapter and Professor, Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi). “The engaging sessions, competitions, and networking opportunities made this conference a valuable experience for all attendees”, said Dr Seema Mishra.

Dr. Sushma Bhatnagar (Chief, Dr. B. R. A. IRCH, AIIMS, New Delhi) was the organising chairperson for the event. Dr. Sachidanand Jee Bharati (Joint Secretary, IAPC Delhi Chapter and Professor, Department of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi) was the Joint Secretary & Treasurer for the event.

30 candidates successfully complete the ‘Part A’ component of the IAPC’s ‘Certificate Course in Palliative Care for Volunteers’ in November 2023

We are glad to share that 30 dedicated individuals from across the country registered and participated enthusiastically in the recently conducted 3rd online batch of ‘IAPC’s Certificate Course in Palliative Care for Volunteers (CCPCV).’

The theoretical ‘Part A’ component of this batch was held as half day sessions between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. over 2 weekends in November: Saturday, 4th November; Sunday, 5th November; Saturday, 18th November; and Sunday 19th November, 2023.

These committed individuals will now proceed to complete their in-person practical ‘Part B’ component of the course in a palliative care unit.

While we look forward to further improving the design and delivery of the course as per the very important and valuable suggestions shared by the course candidates, we were happy to have received the below feedback.

“Thank you, all the Panellists and organisers, for creating such an invigorating and informative workshop! I have learned a lot.”
“I feel elevated with this new exposure to a new horizon to give my little to someone for whom it might prove acceptable with love. Thank you. May be the doctors and faculty can help us by providing scope to work along with them for better performance.”
“Thanks a lot for all that wonderful information and also sharing the vast experiences.”
“It was good, honestly.”

Hurry! Only 7 Days remaining to submit your applications for the ‘Compassionate Leadership Fellowship’

The last date to apply for the ‘Compassionate Leadership Fellowship’ (CLF) is Thursday, 7th December, 2023. Don’t miss the deadline.

This fellowship is offered jointly by the Cairdeas International Palliative Care Trust, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Global Health Academy (University of Edinburgh), the Indian Association of Palliative Care, and the RMD Trust.

The year-long (February 2024 – 2025) advanced leadership program is designed to inspire, empower, influence, and transform future leaders in palliative care. The course intends to reshape how one perceives oneself and others leading to improved care delivery, enhanced team dynamics while also providing a strong focus on self-care and well-being.

Mid-level Health and social care professionals who are actively involved in palliative care, who are self-motivated with a desire to lead, and can commit towards course assignments and leadership activities are eligible to apply for the program offered in a hybrid model.

For this maiden cohort, there will be no course fees. Candidate’s accommodation will also be covered in Thiruvalla, Kerala. Candidates are however, expected to fund their travel and other possible local project costs.

Please click here to view the introduction letter with a call for applications and click here to access the fellowship brochure. Please write to clfellowship.india@gmail.com in case of any queries.

Awareness Workshop on Palliative Care Organised by Pallium India at Tamil Nadu Dr. M. G. R Medical University, Chennai

An awareness workshop on Palliative Care was organised by Pallium India, Thiruvananthapuram at Tamil Nadu Dr. M. G. R. Medical University, Chennai. The workshop was organised with an aim to train Nurses in Palliative Care and to raise awareness among public about the need for Palliative Care.

K Naryanasamy, Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Dr. M. G. R Medical University, Dr M R Rajagopal, Chairman-Emeritus, Pallium India, and Dr Mallika Tiruvadanan, Founder Trustee, Lakshmi Pain and Palliative Care Trust spoke at the inaugural function. Experts from Pallium India delivered sessions.

K Naryanasamy, while speaking at the function announced that the Tamil Nadu Dr. M. G. R Medical University has plans to launch BSc and MD in Palliative Care and Palliative Medicine. The University also signed an MoU with Pallium India, to conduct research in end-of-life care and pain relief treatment.

Over 800 delegates participated in the workshop including medical and nursing professionals.

Update from APM’s lecture series

Report on activities in November

The ‘Academy of Palliative Medicine’s online Lecture Series 1’ presented 3 lectures in November, 2023. The current series will deliver a total of 37 lectures which will be delivered by Students of MD and DNB in Palliative Medicine from across the country and moderated by a faculty from their respective center.

Sessions for November began with a superb presentation on ‘Needs and Barriers in Advance Care Planning Communication among Healthcare Professionals’ presented by Dr Richa Randhawa and moderated by Dr Nipun Lamba. This was followed by another interesting session on ‘Integration of Palliative Care in the ICU’ presented by Dr Ashwini Bundhe and moderated by Dr Raghu S Thota. The sessions for November concluded with a comprehensive presentation on ‘Palliative care in patients on ECMO’ presented by Dr Sreeharsh S and moderated by Dr Gaurav Sharma.

There was no lecture presented on 27th November (Guru Nanak Jayathi), 2023.

We thank our speakers and the moderators for sharing their time and expertise to enrich the knowledge of the palliative care community.

Sessions planned for December

We invite you to join us for the lectures scheduled for December 2023. Details below: