Explore the latest insights in hospice symptom management with this three-part webinar series for hospice professionals. In Part 1, we address "Terminal Delirium and Agitation: Pharmacotherapy for the Hospice Clinician", offering guidance on managing distressing end-of-life symptoms. Part 2, "CBD & THC: Understanding Key Components of Cannabis for Medical Use", equips clinicians with knowledge about medical cannabis, its pharmacology, and its potential applications for hospice patients. In Part 3, "Infusion Best Practices in Hospice", we delve into clinical considerations and alternative therapies for infusion use in hospice care, especially relevant given recent changes in the hospice landscape. Join us for this enlightening series to enhance your expertise in hospice symptom management.

Part 1: Terminal Delirium and Agitation: Pharmacotherapy for the Hospice Clinician

Date: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 • Time: 1:00-2:00 PM ET

Terminal delirium and agitation are common occurrences at the end of life. Caregivers report high levels of distress associated with terminal delirium and agitation. This session will provide guidance on pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of terminal delirium and agitation.

Learning Objectives

• Review background and epidemiology for terminal agitation and delirium.
• Explain non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options for agitation and delirium.
• Develop a plan for addressing agitation based on clinical presentation and patient-specific goals.

Faculty

Rebecca Wagner, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist with Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services. She completed her Doctor of Pharmacy from The University of Toledo. Becky went on to complete an ASHP-accredited Pharmacy Practice Residency with an emphasis on geriatrics. Becky is a contributing author to the Palliative Care Consultant: Guidelines for Effective Management of Symptoms, 4th Ed., and is currently working on content for the second edition of the Pediatric Palliative Care Consultant. Becky is also a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO).

Part 2: CBD & THC: Understanding Key Components of Cannabis for Medical Use

Date: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 • Time: 1:00-2:00 PM ET

Medical cannabis is legal in the majority of the United States and is increasingly available for adult recreational use. Clinicians need to be aware of the current evidence for cannabinoids for various conditions and symptoms, pharmacology, adverse effects, and potential contraindications as they will increasingly see patients using cannabis or cannabinoids more openly. This session will provide foundational knowledge of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), how each cannabis component might be used by their patients, what the current effectiveness data suggest for conditions and symptoms, and pertinent monitoring parameters.

Learning Objectives

• Describe cannabis pharmacology with a focus on CBD and THC.
• List the evidence to assess cannabinoid effectiveness for symptoms anticipated in hospice and palliative care. 

Faculty

Bridget McCrate Protus, PharmD, MLIS, BCGP, CDP, graduated with her Doctorate in Pharmacy from The Ohio State University where she also completed an ASHP-accredited PGY1 pharmacy practice residency specializing in hospice and palliative care. She earned a Master of Library & Information Science from Kent State University, a Bachelor of Arts in History from Miami University of Ohio, and is a Board-certified Geriatric Pharmacist and a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Bridget serves on the Professional Development Committee of LeadingAge Ohio. She is a Hospice Representative to the Board of Trustees of the Society of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacists, and she serves as the Chair of the Ohio Board of Pharmacy's Medical Marijuana Program's Health Claims Review Committee. Bridget has contributed as a lead editor and co-author for books including the Palliative Care Consultant, Wound Care at the End of Life, and Pediatric Palliative Care Consultant. In addition, she teaches a course in pain management, palliative care, and geriatrics at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy.

Part 3: Infusion Best Practices in Hospice

Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 • Time: 1:00-2:00 PM ET

In recent years, infusion providers have left the hospice landscape. With limited hospice infusion providers, infusion therapy for hospice patients has become challenging. This presentation will identify clinical practice considerations for infusion use in hospice, as well as identify potential alternative therapies.

Learning Objectives

• Identify clinical practice considerations for infusion use in hospice.
• Review potential alternative therapies for infusions. 

Faculty

Megan Perkins, PharmD, BCPS, is a clinical pharmacist for Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services. Dr. Perkins received her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Toledo. She then completed a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency with St. Rita’s Medical Center. After her residency, she received Board Certification as a Pharmacotherapy Specialist, completed the LGBTQ+ Affirming Healthcare Series through the University of Louisville, and a Certificate in Clinical Pediatric Palliative Care from the Shiley Institute for Palliative Care at California State University.

Please click here to view the two-page event flyer.