Description

Sudden bleeding or breathlessness may be expected symptoms for someone receiving palliative care at home, but can be alarming if the person and their family are unprepared. These symptoms can feel urgent, distress caregivers, lead to unplanned visits to the emergency department, and significantly impact a person’s quality of life. For home-based palliative care providers, recognizing and addressing such crises is essential. Engaging patients, families, and caregivers in clear, proactive discussions empowers them to anticipate and manage emergencies while awaiting the support of healthcare providers. This presentation introduces the Be Prepared: Palliative Care Emergencies in the Home Conversation Guides, developed by the Canadian Home Care Association and the Montreal Institute for Palliative Care, to help nurses recognize, manage, and support patients through common palliative emergencies. Health PEI’s Integrated Palliative Care Program will share its experience implementing these guides to support frontline nurses across the province.

Presenters: • Jennifer Campagnolo, Project ECHO Lead, Canadian Home Care Association •

Mallory Peters, Palliative Care Coordinator, Integrated Palliative Care Program, Health PEI