Medical Cannabis in Palliative Care

Palliative care focusses on relieving suffering and improving quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. Historically, practitioners applied palliative care only to cancer patients, but it's increasingly being introduced earlier in the course of illness.¹

This module examines the role of palliative care as part of person-centred health services, aligned with the World Health Organisation's framework, which highlights the importance of meeting individual needs and preferences.²

Learners will explore challenges such as symptom management and the complexities of polypharmacy, which can limit the effectiveness of traditional treatments. The module also discusses the potential role of medical cannabis in addressing symptoms, reducing medication side effects, and improving quality of life for patients in palliative care.

This module provides healthcare practitioners with knowledge to responsibly integrate medical cannabis into palliative care plans.

Preview this module by watching the video above.

Estimated Duration: 1 hour

Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase

Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to:

• Define palliative care
• Discuss the purposes and standard processes and approaches in palliative care
• Discuss the importance of goals of care in palliative care
• Discuss the role of services, supports and people involved in palliative care
• Explain how palliative care differs from end-of-life care
• Explain how the endocannabinoid system may influence symptoms and side effects experienced by those in palliative care
• Explain how health practitioners and professionals may facilitate medical cannabis treatment to manage symptoms and side effects commonly experienced by those in palliative care
• Identify clinical considerations that relate to medical cannabis use in palliative care

References:

¹ Lukas Radbruch, et al. “Redefining Palliative Care—a New Consensus-Based Definition.” Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, vol. 60, no. 4, 6 May 2020, pp. 754–764, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0885392420302475, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.04.027. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.

² Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. “Palliative Care Services in Australia, Summary - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.” Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023, www.aihw.gov.au/reports/palliative-care-services/palliative-care-services-in-australia/contents/summary. Accessed 23 Oct. 2024.