Applied therapeutics for palliative medicine: A course for doctors

This 6 day in-person course is spread over 6 sessions with the aim of providing a robust grounding in all aspects of pharmacology and therapeutics in palliative medicine. The course material is evidence based where possible so that participants become acquainted with the body of literature that relates to practice in this field. Each of the sessions will consist of incredibly valuable content.

Days 1, 2 and 3 of the course are framed around the World Health Organisation analgesic ladder and will enable attendees to enhance their knowledge. Additionally, participants will gain an in depth understanding on pain physiology and the pharmacology of step I, II and III drugs and co-analgesics, current evidence base, and application in clinical practice. The programme is supplemented by talks on specialist topics from experts including management of seizures, bone metastases, update on immunotherapy and malignant spinal cord compression.

Days 4, 5 and 6 are broadly themed. The topic areas which we will explore to understand evidence based guidance and management of nausea and vomiting, constipation and malignant bowel obstruction, pharmacological management of anxiety, depression and terminal agitation. Additionally, included over the 3 days are specialist topics from expert speakers such as prescribing in patients with liver failure, renal impairment, recognition and management of delirium.