The Melbourne: Family carer support program (FSP) Part of St Vincent’s Hospital and a Collaborative Centre of The University of Melbourne, AUSTRALIA Peter Hudson Tina Thomas Michele Meachen Peter Hudson © May 2013

1.Background on the MFSP 2.Barriers and enablers 3.Q&A 4.Resources Overview

Demonstration DVD - No Greater Gift DVD – Group education program

The Melbourne Family Support Program Psycho-educational initiatives for family carers of people receiving palliative care aimed at: 1.Improving preparation & competence 2.Reducing unmet needs 3.Fostering positive emotions 4.Reducing psychological distress Conducted and evaluated in Australian specialist palliative care services

1. What is palliative care? 2. Typical carer role 3. How to care for my relative & myself 4. Preparation for death and bereavement 5. Resources: (e.g guidebook / slides / careplan) Information and Support Opportunity for carers to ask questions Typical Ingredients

1.Community PC group education program (3 sessions – 2 hours each) 2.Inpatient PC education program (1 session – 2 hours) 3.Individual community PC support program (3 sessions and care plan – in persons home or by telephone) 4.Family Meeting (1 session) and Guidelines 5.Clinical Practice Guidelines The MFSP interventions

(1) Community group education 3 sessions over 3 week period Structured topics and group discussions Introductions to PC staff members Benefit of peer support Pre-post test data N=156 (30 programs) Significant increases in preparedness, competence, rewards, needs met Positive experience for carers

(2) Inpatient Group Education 1 x 1.5 hour session Structured topics and group discussions / activities Benefit of peer support Pre-post test data N=126 (52 sessions) Significant increases in preparedness, competence, needs met Positive experience for carers

(3) Individual Support 2 home visits & 1 phone support Develop a carer focused care plan Opportunity for referrals RCT data N= 300 Significant improvement in preparedness and competence Protective psychological element during bereavement

(4) Structured family meetings (FM) In patient palliative care unit Family meeting organised and conducted by a trained family meeting facilitator Family and HP provide agenda items Pre-post test and qualitative data 22 Family meetings Significant reduction in unmet needs Positive comments by families attending

(5) Clinical Practice Guidelines

Why do it? What would be the reasons to incorporate this type of program in your own service? What are the enablers? What would help you to get this program going in your own organisation? What are you currently offering carers in your own service?

Why wouldn’t you do it? Barriers? What are the barriers? What would stop you from getting this program going in your own organisation? What might make this unsuccessful in your organisation?

Q&A What are your fears? How do you ….? What’s the most challenging aspect? What do you do if…? Tell me about….

Resources Part of St Vincent’s Hospital and a Collaborative Centre of The University of Melbourne, AUSTRALIA © May 2013 Guidebook Group Education DVD Inpatient Group Education online Individual Support program Care plan Family meeting clinical guidelines Clinical Practice Guidelines