What happens at the end?
We often link cancer research with the search for a cure or therapies that can fight the disease, or new technology for early detection. But what about the people facing a life-limiting cancer diagnosis? linical trial.
Providing for the physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs of the person and their wh-anau before and a er a death is known as palliative care. Every e ort is made to provide the support locally, either in a person’s home or in a hospice, rest home or hospital. Dr Amanda Landers is a community palliative care physician, lecturer and past chair of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine. “Palliative care is about understanding what is happening to someone and approaching them in a way that improves their quality of life and also their family’s quality of life,” says Landers. “ ere is some evidence that people who engage with palliative care services early not only live better, they may live longer.” People are most comfortable in their own surroundings – and with family and friends close by – but this also means the need for palliative care is spread throughout the community, making keeping up to speed with the latest developments in the eld a challenge for the health professionals involved. rough funding from the Cancer Research Trust New Zealand, Hospice New Zealand has met the challenge of communicating new ideas and practices through the Palliative Care lecture series, enabling professionals to increase their knowledge of palliative care issues. e lectures are delivered by experts in the eld and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners has approved the series as a part of a continuing edcation programme for GPs. “It was inspired by a desire to provide practical and wide-ranging topics – and to
“There is some evidence that people who engage with palliative care services early not only live better, they may live longer.” Dr Amanda Landers
make it easy for people to participate,” says Mary Schumacher, Chief Executive at Hospice New Zealand. “Teleconferences are easily accessible from any location in New Zealand and, by using the hospice as the main presentation hub, large numbers of sta are able to attend as well as outside guests from community providers.” Currently there are 64 sites registered across the country to host the monthly lectures, including hospice, aged residential care, hospital, primary health and Hauora M-aori organisations – and attendance has increased every year. “Palliative care and hospice teams are specialised and committed,” says Schumacher. “A person with a life-limiting condition, such as heart failure or cancer may face a number of issues requiring the support and care of a range of health professionals.” e continued support of Cancer Research Trust New Zealand is helping ensure people can receive quality palliative care by competent professionals all around New Zealand.