Medicines in the last days of life: Anticipatory medicines and medication management for end-of-life

General practitioners play a crucial role in facilitating a significant number of patients to die in the comfort of their homes. The importance of having the confidence to effectively manage symptoms during the end-of-life phases cannot be overstated in ensuring a successful home death experience. Enhancing GP proficiency by creating a core medicine list and gaining a deeper insight into anticipatory prescribing significantly contributes to improving the success rate of achieving these desired home deaths.

Furthermore, pharmacists play a pivotal role in delivering essential medications to patients. Participation in the core medicine list project ensures that patients benefit from easily accessible and identifiable locations, thereby enhancing overall access to crucial medications.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Outline the core medicine list project.
• Identify local pharmacies participating in the core medicine list.
• Explain the benefits of anticipatory medicines for use in end-of-life care.
• Recall the localised core medicines list for end-of-life care
• Discuss the legal and practical aspects of anticipatory prescribing.
• Identify where to access referral pathways to support end of life care.
• Identify non-pharmacological treatment options for end-of-life care.

This event is conducted by Eastern Melbourne PHN, South Eastern Melbourne PHN, North Western Melbourne PHN and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. By registering for this event, you agree for submitted information to be shared with Eastern Melbourne PHN, South Eastern Melbourne PHN, North Western Melbourne PHN and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia for the purpose of planning, conducting and evaluating the event. Please visit your PHN’s website to view their privacy and/or data collection statements.