A proposal for the development of a palliative CPD workshop for occupational therapists working in non-specialist palliative roles within NHS Lothian.

Abstract

Palliative care is a specialist area of health care for individuals living with life-limiting illnesses. The main purpose of this type of care is to improve the quality of life for the client and their family through the treatment of emotional, physical and spiritual issues. Palliative care can be provided to any person of any age. It can be delivered to clients in a range of settings, such as in the community or in the hospital. Research has shown that there is a significant gap in palliative care training for health care professionals, in particular for occupational therapists. Additionally the Scottish Government has recognised the need to educate health care professionals in the area of palliative care to improve the quality of care. Working with partners from NHS Lothian, NES Education for Scotland, COT, and the Scottish Partnership for palliative care and occupational therapist representatives from NHS Lothian, a palliative care continuing professional development workshop will be developed for occupational therapists. This workshop will be aimed at occupational therapists working in non-specialist palliative care roles within the NHS Lothian health board, over a two day period. The workshop will focus on the core competencies that are vital for occupational therapists to be educated in order to care effectively for clients with a palliative condition. The long term aim would be to provide this as a core element of continuing professional development for occupational therapists working in non-specialist palliative care roles.