196616 An International Palliative Care Symposium: Integrating cutting-edge information management tools with modern social-networking technology to create a virtual community dedicated to collaborative communication of rural healthcare providers

Tuesday, November 10, 2009: 10:30 AM

Christine DeCourtney, MPA , Department of Clinical Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK
Stacy F. Kelley, MPH , Department of Reseach and Clinical Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consotrium, Anchorage, AK
Judith Muller, MPA , Department of Clinical Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK
Karen Morgan, BA , Department of Clinical Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK
     
Abstract:

Introduction: The International Palliative Care Symposium is a core educational strategy in a multi-faceted, five-year palliative care education program funded by a National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in Anchorage, AK. The symposium theme, Joining Together to Share Palliative Care Knowledge and Resources, reflects the partnership of NCI's Cancer Information Services, The State of Alaska Comprehensive Cancer Program, Mayo Cancer Native American Cancer Program, Intercultural Cancer Council, Fort Defiance Hospital Arizona , Hospice of Anchorage, Lakehead University Thunder bay Ontario Native American Cancer Research, and Indian Health Service.

Methods: In 2009, the last year of the education grant award, the symposium was offered internationally through technologies including Web-based streaming and video teleconferencing. Virtual marketing was used to increase social marketing outreach for the event, as well as website development which included outreach capabilities beyond the annual event. This unique and technologically advanced training delivery method was developed as a potential way of reducing costs, increasing access to information and creating a “virtual community” for future palliative care conference delivery beyond the existing funding.

Findings: An evaluation was given to participants after the symposium. Site evaluations were also gathered from five countries and over 30 sites. Participant and site results will be highlighted

Conclusion: The conference focused on various aspects of interdisciplinary care that includes video conference and web base delivery. It is an effective and affordable way to deliver palliative care training to rural healthcare providers serving disparate populations.

Learning Objectives:
1. As a result of participation in this session, participants will be able to explain the importance of using a video teleconference venue to deliver palliative care training to rural healthcare providers. 2. At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to describe three benefits and limitations of using video teleconference and web based technology for Palliative Care information with an international audience. 3. At the end of this presentation, participants will describe the process used in developing an international video teleconference symposium in providing resources and technical support for rural healthcare providers providing palliative care.

Keywords: Telehealth, Cancer

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Cancer program manager
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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