Education and Training

The United Nations has launched the World Social Report 2023, Leaving no one beyond in an ageing world

We invite you to read the recently launched World Social Report 2023, published by the United Nations.

Dr Katherine Pettus (Senior Advocacy and Partnerships Director, International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care) points out excerpts from the report which highlights the below which is of particular importance to the palliative care community.

"Urgent need for end of life care policies"
"For people who grow older with chronic or disabling conditions, the focus may shift from finding a cure to providing quality of life and relief for disease-related symptoms as well as ensuring dignity and comfort during an individual’s final days. End-of-life care, which includes palliative and hospice care, is expected to see a surge in demand yet countries remain largely unprepared for it. With people dying further into old age, when dementia, multimorbidity and frailty are more common, and spousal, social and other forms of support are less available, end-of-life care provision requires urgent policy attention."

Please click here to read more and to access the report.

563 clinicians participate in the IAPC’s ‘Certificate Course in Essentials of Palliative Care’ held in January, 2023

A record breaking 563 candidates participated in the 6th online batch of the IAPC’s most sought after and popular course, the Certificate Course in Essentials of Palliative Care (CCEPC).

436 doctors and 127 nurses participated in this mandatory theory ‘Part A’ component of the course which were 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 7th, 8th, 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th of January, 2023. Select Clinical sessions were held separately for Doctors (MBBS, BDS) and Nurses (BSc Nursing, GNM).

These candidates are now empowered with an understanding of the principles of palliative care which will help them to improve patient care through proper communication and effective management of difficult symptoms.

Excerpts from testimonials shared by course participants as below:

“This course has changed my reflection of patient management. Thanks to IAPC and the wonderful faculty who has made this program an excellent experience.”

The Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Trust, Bhubaneswar, and the IAPC, jointly train 35 candidates on volunteering for Palliative care between 6th and 8th January, 2023

35 candidates were trained in the basics of palliative care jointly by the Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Trust, Bhubaneswar, and the IAPC, between Friday, 6th January, 2023, and Sunday, 8th January, 2023.

The 16-hour ‘Part A’ component of the course was delivered in a hybrid model as volunteers and nurses who were very keen to learn the essence and process of palliative care joined the course both in-person (20 nos.) and virtually (15 nos.).

The 2.5 days workshop was packed with value adding sessions covering the entire trajectory of Palliative care. The sessions began with the introduction to the concept of palliative care and a volunteer’s role in Multi Disciplinary Teams (MDT). Sessions then moved from relieving to healing which included topics like pain, psychological issues etc. The workshop finally concluded on the last day with animated discussions on existential and Spiritual issues, transition to palliative care, ethical issues in End of life care etc.

These very interactive sessions during the training period was ably led by Dr Mami Parija (Founder, Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Trust), and Dr Ganpathy K V (Course coordinator, Volunteer Programs, IAPC; West Zone Central Council Member, IAPC; Clinical Psychologist). Regional resource persons also shared their rich experiences while imparting knowledge about the basic concepts and principles of palliative care with special emphasis on avenues for volunteer contribution to the Multi Disciplinary Teams (MDT) of Palliative Care.

Post successfully completing the ‘Part A’ component of the course, candidates will now proceed towards the ‘Part B’ component of the program, which is a 16-hour observership in a palliative care unit.

HBCHRC Muzaffarpur, the SHS Bihar, and the IAPC, jointly conduct a 2.5 day palliative care training program for 68 clinicians in Bihar, between 13th and 15th January, 2023

We are happy to share that a total of 68 clinicians (24 Doctors and 44 Nurses) from 10 districts in Bihar and the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Center (HBCHRC), Muzaffarpur, were trained between Friday, 13th January, 2023, and Sunday, 15th January, 2023, in the basics of palliative care. This interactive in-person training was conducted in the conference room at Hotel Grand Madhav Palace, Muzaffarpur, and was organised jointly by the State Health Society (SHS), Bihar; HBCHRC Muzaffarpur, and the Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC).

An inauguration ceremony was held on the first day of the program and was attended by (in alphabetical order) Sr Hanife MacGamwell (Nursing Education Coordinator, IAPC), Dr Ravikant Singh (Officer Incharge, Homi Bhaba Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Muzaffarpur), Dr Rajesh Kumar Singh (HoD, Department of Radiology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna), Dr Ranjit Kumar (Deputy Inspector General, Sashastra Seema Bal, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India), Dr Seema Rao (Associate Director, Education & Research, Karunashraya Institute for Palliative Care Education and Research), Dr Sushma Bhatnagar (President, IAPC), and Dr Umesh Kumar Bhadani (Dean, AIIMS Patna). The inauguration was also covered by one English (Hindustan Times (Patna)) and three Hindi (Hindustan Times (Patna), Dainik Bhaskar, Prabhat Khabar and Dainik Jagran) media portals.

Dr Sushma Bhatnagar, Dr Seema Rao and Sr Hanife were the faculty from IAPC, while Dr Nageshwar and Dr Manish, were the regional faculty from HBCHRC Muzaffarpur.

The program was coordinated by Dr Ravikant Singh and Dr Grishma Moharana, from Team HBCHRC; and by Ms Nisha Krishnadas and Ms Archana Ganesh from Team IAPC. 

Excerpts from testimonials at the end of the 2.5 day training period as below:

“I had never heard of what Palliative Care is.. Now I have learnt a lot and have also realised that Palliative Care is for everyone and can be delivered by everyone. I have also realised that Palliative Care is not only for cancer and that it can be applied to any disease”
“I didn’t know about Palliative Care.. Now I learnt about it in detail. I used to work in covid ward and I realised now that I could have done so much for my patients at that time.. I will work hard and wish to become one of the trainers in Palliative Care now.” 
“Over the last three days, I learnt about the importance of relationships and how it should be between a doctor-patient-relative.. I learnt the importance of teamwork.”

Post this 2.5 days training, participants will proceed to a 7 day practical hands-on training at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Muzaffarpur, Bihar (SKMCH campus). This segment of the training will be delivered jointly by a Faculty team from IAPC, Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai, and HBCHRC Muzaffarpur. Further details about this segment will be shared shortly.

An approx. 100 new residents from Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, sensitised on palliative care and End of Life care on 10th January, 2023

On Tuesday, 10th January, 2023, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, a constituent college of Sri Aurobindo University, Indore, had organised a session on palliative care and End of Life care Policy to sensitise their newly joined post graduate students in the hospital.

The one hour session was organised as a part of the Induction program for the 100 residents to improve their knowledge and skills which would automatically translate to better implementation and documentation.

The newly joined residents who attended this interactive session were empowered with the knowledge on philosophy of end of life care, the hospital’s end of life care policy and the various documentations that are required to be adhered to in the process.

Dr Pankaj Singhai (Assistant Professor, Department of Palliative & Supportive Medicine, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Indore) shares, “The session also created an opportunity for the Residents to clarify their queries regarding the process of withholding and withdrawal of futile intervention at end of life.”

Shanti Palliative Care Centre sensitises key members from the Jalpaiguri Welfare Organization about palliative care on 16th January, 2023

The Shanti Palliative Care Center, Siliguri, is once again on its mission to sensitise and obtain the buy-in of key stakeholders in their community to further the acceptance and development of Palliative care in the region.

In line with this, Dr Pankaj Chowdhary (Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Shanti Nursing Home; Palliative Care Physician) met Mr. Ajit Bandhu (Secretary, Jalpaiguri Welfare Organization) and other senior members of the Jalpaiguri Welfare Organization (JWO) at their office on Monday, 16th January, 2023, to sensitise them towards the basic principles and concepts of Palliative care.

The audience were riveted as they listened to Dr Chowdhary’s presentation of several case studies which demonstrated the various principles, concepts, and the need for palliative care services in the region.

This sensitisation activity was conducted with the Jalpaiguri Welfare Organization as they are one of the organisations  who work in the sphere of Health, Disability and Social Justice in the region. The organisation also works alongside the helpless and the underprivileged to help the community access their Right to Health. The regional community also respects and views the organisation as a humane serving entity, therefore making them an important stakeholder in the community. 

The sensitisation session concluded with a decision to organise a community programme to spread awareness about palliation and to also sensitise the Jalpaiguri’s Medical fraternity towards this concept and the availability of such services at Shanti Palliative Care Centre, Siliguri.

‘PallEvolution’ successfully conducted by the MPMMMCC and HBCH-TMC Varanasi, on 21st January, 2023

The Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre (MPMMMCC) and the Home Bhabha Cancer Hospital – Tata Memorial Center (HBCH-TMC) Varanasi successfully conducted ‘PallEvolution’, their maiden event on advocacy of palliative care on Saturday, 21st January, 2023.

The conference opened to a packed auditorium of 82 participants, who represented different streams of Oncology from both the hospitals. Power packed sessions with rich content were presented throughout the day.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr Satyajit Pradhan (Director, MPMMMCC & HBCH – Varanasi) who invited other dignitaries such as the Chief Guest, Dr Sriram Yennu (Professor, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston), the Guest of Honour, Mr S Rajalingam (District Magistrate, Varanasi), Dr Vikramjit Singh Kanwar (Chief, Pediatric Oncology, HBCH -TMC, Varanasi) and Dr Jayita Deodhar (Professor and Incharge, Department of Palliative Medicine, TMC, Mumbai).

The conference aimed to sensitise the hospital’s oncology fraternity about the importance of preserving the Quality of Life of patients through effective palliative medicine and psychosocial support. The sessions, creditably delivered by expert resource persons in the field of pain and other symptom management, psychological aspects and nursing issues only reinforced the importance of delivering care through a well knit multi disciplinary team.

The workshop showcased the high standard and unrelenting work of the Organising Team represented by Dr Somnath De (Organising Chairperson), Dr Kunal Ranjan Vinayak (Organising Secretary), Dr Pallavi Singh (Co Secretary), and Dr Shivam Singh (Treasurer) who although in the backdrop, their commendable efforts were seen through the event. Their exemplary work in designing and rolling out the conference and providing assurance that such learning experiences will be organised annually, were much appreciated.

The conference concluded with a grand dinner, which was yet another means to display the hospitality of the Management of MPMMMC & HBCH Varanasi.

The GMC, Sirohi, and AIIMS Jodhpur, jointly conducted an awareness workshop on palliative care on 10th and 11th December, 2022

A total of 30 Doctors and Nurses participated in an awareness workshop on palliative care organised jointly by the Government Medical College (GMC), Sirohi, Rajasthan, and the Department of Palliative Medicine, AIIMS Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on Saturday, 10th December, 2022, and Sunday 11th December, 2022.

The workshop aimed to create awareness about palliative care among medical and nursing professionals. Participant Doctors represented clinical departments such as Medicine, Surgery, Gyn Obst, Paediatric, Dental, Psychaitary, Orthopedic, ENT, Opthalmology, Anesthesiology, etc.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr Subh Mangla, IAS Chief Executive Officer, Sirohi.

The interactive workshop included topics on introducing participants to the concept of palliative care, pain assessment and management, communication, Basics of Home care, Lymphedema, GI and respiratory symptoms and their management, emergencies in palliative care, and Loss / Grief / bereavement.

The workshop was conducted by Dr Lalit Kumar Raiger (Senior Professor, Anesthesiology; Principal, GMC Sirohi), Dr Manoj Kamal (Additional Professor, AIIMS Jodhpur), Dr Bharat Paliwal (Additional Professor, AIIMS Jodhpur), Dr Geeta Singariya (Professor, SN Medical College, Jodhpur), Dr Ajay (Fellow, AIIMS Jodhpur), Dr Arun Mukesh (AIIMS, Jodhpur), Sr. Hanife MacGamwell (Nursing Education Coordinator, IAPC and ELNEC India), Ms Priyanka (Physiotherapist, AIIMS Jodhpur), Mr Ramswaroop Garwa (Nursing officer, AIIMS Jodhpur) and Mr Jagdish (Nursing officer, AIIMS Jodhpur).

DNipCare’s collaborative virtually sensitises over 1500 Nurses in the basics of Palliative Care from across the country in December 2022

As part of DNipCare’s (Delhites’ National Initiative in Palliative Care) virtual national campaign on palliative care for nursing fraternity, DNipCare collaborated with various institutions to conduct 4 webinars in December 2022.

These webinars were attended by over 1500 participants. The webinars included sessions on the Introduction and Need for Palliative Care, the role of a Nurse in palliative care, Communication, Scope of Palliative Care Nursing etc.

  1. On Friday, 9th December, 2022, DNipCare partnered with the Trained Nurses Association of India, Telangana State Branch. 
  2. On Monday, 12th December, 2022, DNipCare partnered with MKSSS Sitabai Nargundkar College of Nursing, Nagpur, Maharashtra. 
  3. On Saturday, 17th December, 2022, DNipCare partnered with Shri. Vinoba Bhave College of Nursing, Silvasa, UT of DNH & DD and the Nursing Scholar Society
  4. On Wednesday, 28th December, 2022, DNipCare partnered with Shri Swami Samarth College of Nursing and Paramedical Sciences, Harda, Madhya Pradesh and the Nursing Scholar Society

Mr KV Hamza (General Secretary, DNipCare) was the moderator of the programmes, while Mr Suresh T P (Secretary, DNipCare) coordinated the program.

Update from IAPC Academy

Report on activities in January

The first month of the year presented the Palliative Care fraternity with 5 lectures as part of the ‘IAPC Academy’s Online Lecture Series 6’. Series 6 will deliver a total of 35 lectures, which will be presented by students of MD and DNB in Palliative Medicine from across the country and moderated by a Faculty from their respective center.

The first session of the year was on ‘NDPS Act: Past, Present and Future’ presented ably by Dr Brajesh Kumar Ratre. The second session was a comprehensive presentation on ‘Superior vena cava obstruction’ presented by Dr Praneeth Suvvari, instead of Dr Divya Sai Vanumu who was unable to do so due to unforeseen reasons. This was followed by an excellent presentation on ‘Malignant spinal cord compression’ presented by Dr Kesavaraj and moderated by Dr Ashwin Mathur. Dr Lekha Raval’s important presentation on ‘Tumour Lysis Syndrome’ was delivered next and was moderated by Dr Mayur Ghoghari. The series for the month concluded with a riveting presentation on ‘Insomnia in palliative care’ delivered by Dr Anukriti Pareek and moderated by Dr Nipun Lamba.

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

Please click here to access the recordings of lectures conducted.

Sessions planned for February

We invite you to join us for the lectures scheduled for February from Series 6. Details below: