“The Competency Framework is a valuable tool to standardize the access and delivery of palliative care across Canada. It addresses the significant and longstanding variability of understanding of what palliative care is amongst health care providers, political leaders and the public.”
Dr. Charlie Chen, Palliative Care Physician
Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services
“The Competency Framework is a valuable tool to standardize the access and delivery of palliative care across Canada. It addresses the significant and longstanding variability of understanding of what palliative care is amongst health care providers, political leaders and the public.”
Dr. Charlie Chen, Palliative Care Physician
Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services
An amazing value proposition
The Canadian Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Competency Framework sets the stage for striving toward benchmarks and goals as part of continuous improvement to equitable and timely access to palliative care for all Canadians. The public wants and will increasingly insist on competent and compassionate palliative care in the setting of their choice.
The competencies are one tool and source for disseminating and actualizing the Framework, which is quite broad. The vision in the Framework is lofty and we need to create tools to translate it to everyday work. The challenge of increasing awareness can, and is being, addressed through projects that help actualize and realize the Competency Framework in practice.
Additionally, the Competency Framework needs to be embedded in teaching, training and continuing education across all disciplines. To that end, the generalist and specialist competencies reflect the reality that for many practitioners, palliative care is a small proportion of their patient caseload. Regardless, the care requirements are intense and the Framework’s value proposition is evident.
Improved Patient Outcomes
By working within the Framework competencies, patients’ health care outcomes are improved at the end of life. For example, the team helps patients fulfill their wishes, meet their goals and do generativity and legacy work. Additionally, team members work to address patients’ fears, control pain and provide access to spiritual care. From the patient and family perspective, there is much to be gained by embedding palliative care early into the care trajectory.
Clinician Satisfaction
Through the provision of Framework-guided palliative care, frontline clinicians see the rewards and experience the fulfillment of what it means to deliver truly holistic health care. Having better conversations and feeling competent when engaging in challenging situations prevents clinician burnout and increases patient rapport. Clinicians are reminded and reconnected to their purpose and motivation.
Better System Outcomes
Good palliative care means more satisfied patients and family members. There is less depression and less post-traumatic stress from making difficult decisions at the last minute and/or when unprepared. The workforce is happier and more fulfilled by their work, and there may even be a bonus of more effective use of health care dollars.
There is no doubt, it is time to recognize the value of all staff embedding the generalist competencies within their practice and increasing public awareness of the Competency Framework.
Source: Health Canada (2018). Framework on Palliative Care in Canada. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Health, 2018, p5, retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-care-system/reports-publications/palliative-care/framework-palliative-care-canada.html
Dr. Charlie Chen is a palliative care physician and the Medical Lead for Advance Care Planning (ACP) and Goals of Care for Calgary Zone, Alberta Health Services (AHS). He is also a Physician Advisor: Wellness, Diversity, and Development with the AHS Physician Experience portfolio. Charlie holds a Clinical Associate Professor position with theDivision of Palliative Medicine,University of Calgary. He is passionate about ACP, medical education, and physician wellness. Charlie is a Scientific Consultant and Master Facilitator for Pallium Canada. He loves to sing and make music.
This project has been made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.
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