Palliative care is about maximizing the quality of life for patients who face a life threatening illness. This type of care is multi-dimensional and requires a well coordinated community approach. The Palliative Care work stream is focused on streamlining the process of referrals and linking into home and community support services, ensuring a smoother transition between home care and hospital-based care.
Activities Completed to Date
Year One Deliverables
Expanding Community Palliative Program to Oakville and Halton Hills
GOAL: Support patients who are end of life who wish to stay in their homes close to family, especially during the COVID pandemic.
This program is an extension of the Palliative Community Program in Oakville and Halton Hills. It is modeled on the Milton Palliative Community Program. Go live date for the Oakville Palliative Community Program is April 2021.
Expanding 24/7 HELP Line to Include Palliative Care Nurse Practitioners On-call
GOAL: To support not only the emotional needs, but the clinical needs of individuals, families, and professionals facing serious illness grief and end of life across all sectors.
In response to COVID-19 and through the Mississauga Halton LHIN, a 24/7 HELP line has been implemented to provide a single point of access for palliative patients, families, and primary care providers. Services provided include confidential counselling and emotional support by phone or video conference, providing/sharing information, and facilitation of conversations about the goals and care plan for end of life. In January 2021, the 24/7 HELP line was expanded to include clinical services through Palliative Care Nurse Practitioners who are on call.
Extend Palliative Care Education to Community Palliative Stakeholders
GOAL: Through education, bring awareness and a common approach to palliative care across the region.
The Palliative Care work stream members are committed to continue to provide Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care (LEAP) and educational training to partner organizations, such as EMS, funeral homes, and other primary care physicians.
Upcoming Key Activities
- Remote Care Monitoring: vendor to build out software per specifications outlined by team members.
- Investigate gaining access to a central registry of patients identified to EMS who would benefit from palliative approach to care.
- Continued collaboration with MHPCN, OH, and Halton Paramedic Program to establish timeline for implementation of next phase.
- Continued exploration of opportunities to work and engage with community hospices.
Work Stream Co-leads
Dr. Tarek Kazem
Palliative Care Physician and Clinical Lead of the Palliative Care Program at Halton Healthcare
Kristin Kay
Occupational Therapist