Report on Lien Collaborative for Palliative Care CTC3 training programme – India, 12 to 16 January 2019
Written by: Ms Joyce Chee, Assistant Manager, APHN
The 5-day Foundation Course of the Lien Collaborative for Palliative Care 3rd Cancer Treatment Centre (CTC) training programme in India was conducted from 12 to 16 January 2019, at Lemon Tree Premier Aerocity Hotel in New Delhi, India. The course was taught by a 15 member team consisting of Dr Sushma Bhatnagar, Dr Cynthia Goh, Dr Jeremy Johnson, Dr Naveen Salins, Dr Charu Singh, Dr Anjum Joad, Dr Seema Rao, Dr Roopesh Jain, Dr Savita Butola, Ms Nileema Shingade, Dr Santosh Chaturvedi, Dr Shalini Singh and Ms Neetu S Mahajan.
A total of 45 participants from the following 12 CTCs were specially selected for the programme
1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar
2. AIIMS, Raipur
3. AIIMS Bhopal
4. Balco Medical Center
5. Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar, Jammu
6. Government Medical College Srinagar
7. Kota Cancer Hospital Research Centre
8. Mahavir Cancer Sansthan & Research Centre, Patna
9. Rabindra Nath Tagore Medical College, Udaipur
10. Saheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College (SHKM GMC), Harayana
11. Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Medical College, Jaipur
12. Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS)
Each team of CTC consists of 3 to 4 doctors and nurses. The aim of this programme is to for each team to start palliative care services back at their CTCs after the training programme, so that these CTCs can grow to become the centre of excellence for palliative care. This foundation course marks the beginning of the journey for them.
Throughout the 5 days, participants learned the fundamental knowledge of palliative care through interactive discussions, small group role plays, and large group teachings. All participants left written comments that they will spread awareness, introduce and improve on palliative care in their hospitals. They were all very willing to speak to the administration to improve on resources provided, involve all clinical departments in sensitisation on palliative care and educate their colleagues and patients about it. They have also acquired an in-depth understanding of the concept of palliative care and will use it in their clinical practices.
Overall, the foundation course was successfully conducted and feedback was well received. The CTC teams will move on to start a week of clinical attachments at AIIMS, New Delhi from February to May.
Here are some pictures of the training course:
