In 2021, Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) started the Commonwealth-funded Greater Choice for At Home Palliative Care project. One of the key goals of the project has been strengthening Advance Care Planning skills in the healthcare workforce across the region.
Advance Care Planning is the process of preparing for a person’s future healthcare needs, and primary care providers, including general practitioners and practice nurses, are well-placed to initiate Advance Care Planning discussions due to their long-term relationships with patients.
Since 2023, WVPHN has delivered Advance Care Planning education in a tiered approach, including introductory live webinars, 90-minute skills sessions and full-day facilitation workshops. To strengthen community awareness, small grant rounds were available for local health organisations to engage their communities in end-of-life discussions and share resources for Dying to Know Day.
In response to a strongly expressed need for Advance Care Planning education, WVPHN invited GPs and practice nurses across the region to a dedicated Advance Care planning skills session and networking dinner during the weeks surrounding National Advance Care Planning Week (17-27 March).
WVPHN supported local educators to travel and deliver the skills sessions across western Victoria, including in geographical gaps in education availability. Jill Mann from Barwon Health and Melissa Couch from Southwest Healthcare delivered the skills sessions with opportunities to discuss case studies, preparing for discussions with patients, and the legal framework surrounding Advance Care Planning in Victoria.
One hundred and fifty-eight GPs and practice nurses attended the skills sessions across Geelong, Warrnambool, Horsham and Ballarat. The training has been highly regarded for both its quality and practical applicability, with 100% of post event feedback saying the session was valuable in terms of networking and/or professional development.
The Greater Choice for At Home Palliative Care project has had funding extended until June 2029.
For more information on Advance Care Planning, please visit Advance Care Planning Australia’s website.