Schedule

Presented by Dr. Sonya Jakubec, extending from the pre-conference workshop on the same theme, this 90 minute walkshop [walking workshop] focuses on evidence-informed frameworks and tools to support pathways to nature connectedness in palliative and grief care. Here we ask: How are parks and nature connections best supported in palliative and grief care? Specific pathways to nature connectedness as well as activities for engagement, celebration, design and embodiment of the connection for palliative and grief care will be facilitated with activities en route to Arbutus Cove and along the beach from the grounds of the University of Victoria - and back in time for the conference proceedings. Be prepared for an immersive, exploratory and connected experience to start your day. NOTE: While new discussion points and activities will occur in this walkshop, participants do not need to have attended the pre-conference workshop to attend. This is an immersive, gentle nature walking and learning experience that will proceed rain or shine - participants are advised to come prepared for all weather with sunscreen, hats, umbrellas and rain jackets!

Presented by Dr. Barb Pesut. With the extension of medical assistance in dying (MAID) to persons whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable, the public health approach to palliative care becomes both urgent and paramount. Persons seeking a MAID death under Track 2 have illnesses and/or disabilities that puts them at risk for social stigma, poverty, and gaslighting by healthcare professionals. Such experiences can make it difficult for them to seek supportive care and eleventh hour attempts to relieve their suffering after a decision for MAID is notoriously difficult. In this presentation I will describe innovative approaches to extending palliative care to these persons who are not on a dying trajectory.

Now accepting abstracts!

Now accepting abstracts!

Now accepting abstracts!

Join us outside of Sŋéqə ʔéʔləŋ (Sngequ House) for a tasty BBQ lunch!

Presenters: Bernice Kamano, Trevor Morey, Hayley Sallis; Moderator: Ashley Mollison Today’s world is full of loss. Whether it is loss of life, identity, purpose and meaning, material resources, or connection to culture and land. Public Health Palliative Care is in the business of responding to grief - a normal response to loss - yet our usual ways of doing things in Western systems can fall short. This is particularly true as we work to support the grief and loss needs in settings of homelessness and housing instability, toxic drug crises, and racism and discrimination that lead to shortened life expectancies, poorer quality of life and death, and disenfranchised grief for those left behind. Yet, in these contexts, communities are always already caring for one another and there is a need for palliative care to engage, walk alongside, and support communities in this important work. In this panel presentation, you will hear of innovative approaches to grief and loss in settings of homelessness and housing instability that enable the strengths of people living and working in the street community to mobilize care and support for one another.

Now accepting abstracts!

Presented by Sue Tan. This seminar is a 90 minute crash course on Human-Centred Design, which is an approach to problem-solving that places real people at the center of the design process. This method ensures that solutions are tailored to the needs, preferences, and pain points of the users, especially for diverse populations in complex systems. This seminar will teach you how to apply these creative and empathy-driven problem solving methods to research, so it is more impactful and relevant to the people it is meant to serve. Participants will learn about the fundamental principles and benefits of the approach, as well as get to jump into a few group-based exercises that bring them to life and connect them to real-world applications within the unique context of healthcare. Key concepts will include user empathy, defining (the right) problems, and collaborative ideation and design.

Presented by Emily Jenkins & Allie Slemon. Multi-site research holds the potential to contribute rich, site-specific insights while enhancing research impact; however, guidance for conducting analyses of multi-site data is lacking. This workshop will introduce participants to conducting multi-site qualitative analysis (MSQA). We will introduce a model to guide the MSQA process, focusing on strategies for developing within- and between-site themes while attending to the research site context, presenting findings, and maximizing the impact of research on healthcare practices and outcomes. Participants will discuss how using a multi-site analytical approach can facilitate the development of broader research implications to inform healthcare practices and policies.

Closing Plenary Presented by Holly Prince. Embracing a health equity-oriented approach to palliative care is essential for improving the health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. This approach challenges colonial systems that have caused disparities and ensures care is aligned with Indigenous Peoples' cultural and social values. By integrating Indigenous Knowledges and practices into healthcare and prioritizing diversity and equity, we can provide equitable and culturally safe-r care for Indigenous peoples as they transition to the spirit world.

Conference Co-Chairs Hsien Seow and Kelli Stajduhar will provide closing remarks.