This Learning Pathway contains training in core clinical skills to help medical students understand the needs of patients living with serious illness and how palliative care can help. Topics include an introduction to the principles and practices of palliative care, communication techniques for effective conversations with patients and caregivers, and pain management. This pathway contains approximately 3.5 hours of learning activities.

Understanding Palliative Care

Introduction to Palliative Care for Health Professionals
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An introduction to palliative care, how it is delivered, its impact on quality of life, and the growing population of patients who need it.

Communicating Effectively During Serious Illness

Delivering Serious News

Communicating serious clinical news to patients and families.

Clarifying Goals of Care

Strategies for eliciting patient goals and preferences to inform treatment decisions.

Goals of Care Conversation: Role Play

In this video, Kacey Boyle, RN, MSPC, leads us through an example of a goals of care conversation between a clinician and a patient.

“I Don’t See Color” Means You Don’t See Me

Why clinicians must unlearn well-intentioned but ultimately harmful conventions about race and ethnicity—and strategies to move forward.

Managing Pain Safely and Effectively

Course 1: Comprehensive Pain Assessment

Conducting a comprehensive pain assessment to guide safe and effective treatment.

Preventing Avoidable Crises

Reducing Risks for Older Adults

This course provides context and best practices for identifying older adults at risk for poor outcomes, including falls, delirium, and caregiving challenges.

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