Course 2: Complex Symptom Management in Palliative Care for Nurse Practitioners
Jan 23 – Feb 28, 20236 week course |
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Delivery Format: Online |
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Course Description
This 6-week online course focuses on complex symptom management for clients with progressive disease. Participants will review health assessment including appropriate use of screening and diagnostics tools to gather information about clinical symptoms and disease progression. They will explore the etiology and mechanisms of specific symptoms experienced by clients with serious illnesses. Apply clinical decision making to formulate a plan of care for symptoms including appropriate pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention. As well as develop plans to support clients and caregivers, to educate and empower them in managing symptoms. Participants will also explore complex planning & intervention for multiple coexisting symptoms, and symptoms crisis situations. The course will utilize a series of case scenarios to enhance learning and application.
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course participants will be able to:
- Articulate appropriate application of common assessment & screening tools, approaches and resources used to gather information about clinical symptoms and disease progression for adult clients living with a progressive and life-limiting illness.
- Discuss the impact of symptoms on a client’s lived experience, and importance of appropriate symptom management along the entire progressive and life-limiting illness disease trajectory.
- For each of the common symptoms experienced by clients living with a progressive and life-limiting illness:
- Identify common symptom presentations & concerns.
- Describe pathophysiology & etiology of symptoms.
- Discuss holistic symptom assessment including disease/symptom specific tools & diagnostics.
- Describe pharmacological and non-pharmacological symptom management.
- Describe ongoing monitoring & adjustments to plan of care (e.g. symptom progression, crisis, undesirable side effects).
- Apply clinical decision making to develop a plan of care that is consistent with client’s goals & wishes.
- Educate client’s and their families on symptom management strategies that support self-care.
- Apply symptom management approaches, tools & strategies to own practice environment/population.
Certificate Criteria
This is the second of three online courses as part of the Certificate in Palliative Care for Nurse Practitioners: Core Competencies for NP Practice. Participants successfully completing all three courses within a two-year period will receive the continuing education certificate. The three courses are:
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- Course 1: Integrating a Palliative Approach to Care and Essential Communication Skills for Nurse Practitioners
- Course 2: Complex Symptom Management in Palliative Care for Nurse Practitioners
- Course 3: End of Life Care Management for Nurse Practitioners
Audience
The certificate is for Nurse Practitioners, (and/or Nurse Practitioner Program students), and those in Advanced Practice and/or CNS roles who, as part of their routine practice, may be responsible for the care of adult clients with progressive and life-limiting illnesses. The practice setting may include acute care, long-term care, community, primary care or private practice.
Course participants must hold current registration as a Nurse Practitioner in their province (or as a Registered Nurse enrolled in a Nurse Practitioner program; or working in an Advanced Practice Role)
Course Outline
This is a 6-week online course delivered through the University of Toronto’s learning management system. It is estimated that up to 6 hours of study per week is required for successful completion. In each of the 6 weeks of the course participants are expected to view a one-hour e-learning module, review required readings, actively engage with the course material by responding to questions related to the readings, post completed learning activities in the Learning Portal, and contribute to the discussion board with fellow participants. Participants can progress through the course at their own pace each week, however the modules must be completed in order and there is a weekly short quiz; 5 discussion board learning activities, & 1 LIVE participation session, with specific due dates. Online discussion activities provide opportunity for participants to learn from the varied experiences, roles and perspectives of other clinicians. One LIVE (via Zoom) session will take place for faculty & participants to engage a practice session to apply conversation tools (alternative option is also available for this activity).
Please note for this course the week runs from the Monday to the Sunday evening following.
Week Topic Evaluative Components Week 1 - Overview/introduction to symptom management in palliative care
- Focus on pain assessment & management
Quiz/Case Activity & Discussion Post Week 2 - Focus on dyspnea and cough assessment & management
Quiz/Case Activity & Discussion Post Week 3 - Focus on thrush, swallowing, dysphagia, nausea, and vomiting assessment & management
Quiz/Case Activity & Discussion Post Week 4 - Focus on constipation, anorexia, cachexia, and fatigue assessment & management
Quiz/Case Activity & Discussion Post Week 5 - Focus on delirium, dementia, depression, and anxiety assessment & management
Quiz/Case Activity & Discussion Post Week 6 - Focus on hopelessness, well being, and spiritual care assessment & management
Quiz/Case Activity & Discussion Post Course Format
Delivery Mode
This online course is offered through the University of Toronto Learning Portal – QUERCUS. Each week, participants will be expected to view e-learning modules, review required readings and resources, and actively engage with learning activities that will focus on application of learning. Learning activities and assignments/examinations will provide opportunity to apply learnings and receive feedback. Participants can expect to allocate approximately 5 or more hours a week for completion of a module; and additional time for assignments.
Teaching Methods
Each week consists of a recorded lecture by expert clinician faculty. and who will be available for questions through discussion board during their module. Each module focuses on discussion of the appropriate health assessment, relevant differential diagnoses, pathophysiology, red flags, use of diagnostic tests and screening tools, selection of appropriate interventions and treatments, and indications for referral and/or consultation, and considerations in transitions in care/discharge. Additional clinical resources are provided such as clinical practice guidelines, relevant practice standards, and clinical tools for practice.
Faculty
Cindy Shobbrook RN(EC), BScN, MN
Nurse Practitioner, Hospice Palliative Care Team, Home and Community Care Support Services, Waterloo Wellington
Cindy is a Nurse Practitioner specializing in hospice palliative care in the Region of Waterloo. She has over 30 years of nursing experience in Canadian academic health science teaching hospitals, international cancer care centres (Kuwait) and home-based palliative care. Currently her work is with Home and Community Care Support Services (former Local Health Integration Networks – LHIN) in Waterloo Region, supporting individuals living with advanced illness in their home.
Cindy completed her Diploma of Nursing at George Brown College in 1991 and then continued her learning at the University of Toronto, completing her Nurse Practitioner – Adult in 2000.
Appointed to the Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto in 2002, she has been an active participant in developing and presenting at the University of Toronto’s “Interfaculty Pain Curriculum” and has been the co-lead in the development and facilitation of the curriculum for “Supporting Aging and Frail Elders in the Home Setting”. Beginning in 2021, she has also been a co-lead for the “Team-Based Virtual Care” curriculum. She is a facilitator of LEAP (Learning Educational Approaches in Palliative Care) program and a Serious Illness Conversation Trainer.
With the passage of Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) legislation in 2016, Cindy acts a leading force in developing resources in Waterloo region for MAID and an end of life option. Cindy is a MAID eligibility assessor and provider and served one year as an elected member with the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers” (CAMAP).
Yvonne P. Rowe Samadhin, RN(EC), NP-Adult Gerontology, BScN, MN, CHPCN(C)
Nurse Practitioner Hospice Palliative Care, Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration NetworkYvonne Rowe Samadhin is a Nurse Practitioner specializing in hospice palliative care, in the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN). She has over 29 years of nursing experience in a variety of settings such as the community, acute care and occupational health. Using her palliative care expertise, Yvonne collaborates with the primary care team and specialist providers, increases clinical capacity and palliative care access within the region, addresses complex palliative care needs and reduces unnecessary hospitalizations where appropriate. Through face-to-face clinical assessments in the patient’s home or by using virtual conferencing options, Yvonne offers patients and families support with oncological and chronic disease illnesses. She also assists with complex and refractory psychosocial needs, and assists patients to develop goals of care, end-of-life planning, and provides eligibility assessments for patients requesting medical assistance in dying (MAID). Yvonne earned her baccalaureate Nursing degree from Ryerson University, her Masters of Nursing Degree and Post-Masters Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Diploma from the University of Toronto, and is certified in Hospice Palliative Care Nursing through the Canadian Nursing Association. Yvonne also holds a Diploma in Advanced Crisis and Counselling from Humber College. She has been a facilitator of the LEAP (Learning Educational Approaches in Palliative Care) program and is a Serious Illness Conversation (SIC) Trainer. As a nurse leader, Yvonne contributes her palliative expertise and health care experience as a member of the Cambridge North Dumfries Ontario Health Team Transitions/Care Delivery Co-Design Group, in helping the Ontario Health Teams move to transform the provincial heath care landscape.
Registration Information
Fees
Early Bird price (ends December 20, 2022) $699 + HST Regular price (starts December 21, 2022) $770 + HST U of T Nursing Alumni save 15%* $660 + HST U of T Nursing Adjunct and Status Faculty save 15%** $660 + HST NPAO Member save 15%*** $660 + HST Site Groups
A group discount rate is available for site groups of three or more people. For details please contact pd.nursing@utoronto.ca.
Please Note
- Refund Policy – To withdraw from a course, send a written request to pd.nursing@utoronto.ca by December 20, 2022. No refunds will be given after this date. All refunds are subject to an administrative fee of $100 + tax. Alternatively, a colleague may attend in your place. Please send your substitution request at least 3 days prior to the course to pd.nursing@utoronto.ca.
- Registration is limited.
- Advanced registration is required. Register by January 16,2023 to gain access to the course by the start date.
- U of T Nursing Alumni discount is available to participants who hold a BScN, MN, PMNP Diploma, MScN or PhD from the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto.
- U of T Nursing Faculty discount is available to participants who hold a current faculty position, a clinical instructor position, an adjunct appointment or a status appointment to the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto
- NPAO (Nurse Practitioner Association of Ontario) members may register at the NPAO rate which is 15% off the regular rate. Please note, your name will be used to confirm that you are a member of the NPAO.
- Applicable taxes (13% HST) will be added to the registration fees.
- Course Cancellation Policy – The Centre for Professional Development reserves the right to cancel courses due to circumstances. The decision to cancel a course is normally made 15 days prior to the course. If you are enrolled in a course which is subsequently cancelled, you may apply your fee to another course, or receive a full refund. The Centre is not responsible for any travel or other expenses incurred by you.
Financial Assistance
OSAP Funding
The Ontario Student Assistance Program now offers funding for micro-credentials (short training programs offered by post-secondary institutions), including a number of courses offered by the Centre for Professional Development. This funding initiative is part of Ontario’s micro-credentials strategy, helping learners access more opportunities to train or upskill for in-demand jobs through loans and grants.
How to Apply for OSAP Funding
This course is OSAP approved (more approved courses are listed below, and you can also verify on the Micro-credentials Portal). To apply for financial assistance through OSAP you will need to establish an OSAP account. You must apply before the course completion date. Visit Ontario.ca/OSAP.
Once you have registered for an eligible OSAP Micro-credential program, the University Registrar’s Office requires a Micro-Credential Program information form to be completed to process your OSAP application. Please fill out the top section of the form and send it to pd.nursing@utoronto.ca to get assistance in completing the form.
Download the Micro-credential Program Information Form (PDF)
For questions regarding the OSAP Micro-Credential funding, eligibility or application process, please contact UofT’s Enrolment Services directly at http://uoft.me/enrolment-services, or by phone at 416-978-2190 for assistance.
Eligible courses offered by the Centre for Professional Development
- Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning in Primary Health Care: A Review for Nurse Practitioners
- Advanced Ostomy Care and Management
- Complex Symptom Management in Palliative Care for Nurse Practitioners
- Controlled Drugs and Substances: Essential Management and Prescribing Practices
- End of Life Care Management for Nurse Practitioners
- Integrating a Palliative Approach to Care and Essential Communication Skills for Nurse Practitioners
- Leadership & Management in Health Care: Managing Business
- Leadership & Management in Health Care: Managing People
- Leadership & Management in Health Care: Managing Practice, Quality Care & Operational Performance
- Leadership & Management in Health Care: Role, Competencies, and Context
- Mental Health 1 for Nurse Practitioners
- Mental Health 2 for Nurse Practitioners
- Mental Health 3 for Nurse Practitioners
- Mental Health 4 for Nurse Practitioners
- Nursing Education for the Practice Setting: Assessment and Evaluation
- Nursing Education for the Practice Setting: Design, Delivery and Facilitation
- Nursing Education for the Practice Setting: Theoretical Perspectives and Context
- Point-of-Care Clinical Leadership for Managing Quality Care & Operations in Long-Term Care
- Point-of-Care Clinical Leadership for Working With & Leading Long-Term Care Teams
- Point-of-Care Clinical Leadership in the Context of Long-Term Care
- Pressure Injuries and Complex Surgical Wounds: An Advanced Practice Course
- Review of Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
- Role of the Nurse Practitioner and Care of the Hospitalized Adult 1
- Role of the Nurse Practitioner and Care of the Hospitalized Adult 2
- Role of the Nurse Practitioner and Care of the Hospitalized Adult 3
- Role of the Nurse Practitioner and Care of the Hospitalized Adult 4
- Wound Management for Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Practice Nurses: A Best Practice Boot Camp on Lower Extremity Ulcers
Contact Us
Email: pd.nursing@utoronto.ca Website: bloomberg.nursing.utoronto.ca/pd Phone: (416) 978-7688 Address: Centre for Professional Development
Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing
University of Toronto
155 College Street
Suite 130
Toronto, ON
Canada
M5T 1P8