ANNOUNCEMENTS

New WHO guidelines on the pharmacological treatment of persisting pain in children with medical illnesses

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published new guidelines on the pharmacological treatment of persisting pain in children with medical illnesses - these are available in the WHO website in http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2012/9789241548120_Guidelines.pdf

The key change is the two-step analgesic ladder's approach instead of the more familiar three-step. In addition, three detailed brochures have been developed, aimed at prescribers (physicians and nurses), pharmacists and policy-makers. These can be accessed at:
http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2012/9789241548120_Physicians&Nurses.pdf
http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2012/9789241548120_Pharmacists_Brochure.pdf
http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2012/9789241548120_%20Policy%20Brochure.pdf

These new guidelines are expected to help reduce the enormous treatment gap for pain in children. The WHO aims to update these guidelines within the next five years.

The WHO calls for a collaborative effort for a meaningful revision of these guidelines by the international scientific community.

The 5th Annual Pediatric Pain Master Class

This seminar, that will take place in Minneapolis, MN, USA, during June 09 - 15, 2012, offers state of the art education in pain management for the pediatric patient from a holistic and multidisciplinary perspective. The program features a faculty of internationally recognized experts, who will cover pharmacological, medical, psychosocial, and integrative therapies in the management of children’s acute and complex/chronic pain. Pain assessment and management of somatic, visceral, neuropathic, and psychosocial/spiritual pain, as well as end-of-life management of pain and distressing symptoms will be discussed in depth using lectures, workshops, and small-group approach.

There are available two scholarships for physicians from developing countries currently working in the field of pediatric pain and/or palliative care, funded by The Foundation of Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.

More information may be requested at the Children’s Institute for Pain and Palliative Care (CIPPC) at +1-(612) 813-6450, or e-mail at [email protected].
Online Registration and Payment is available through: www.childrensMN.org/conferences

The Palliative Care Network
Free Education - Palliative Care for Everyone, Everywhere

The call for abstracts to The International Palliative Care Network Conference - 2012 is open. Palliative Care professionals from all disciplines are invited to participate in presenting lectures and posters. Share your work, submit your abstracts.

More information available at http://www.pcn-e.com/community/

The network’s mission is to provide free platforms aiming at empowering palliative care professionals to teach, interact, and exchange ideas with fellow colleagues globally to promote collaboration and an exchange of knowledge.

Visit www.palliativecarenetwork.com

Ukraine to lift rigid morphine restrictions

The Ukrainian health authorities are planning to lift tight restrictions for administering opium-based analgesics to cancer-stricken patients – currently the drug is administered in Ukraine solely in an injectable form and only by a professional nurse, and the daily dose is limited to 50 milligrams.

Morphine in tablets will be officially approved in Ukraine in the coming months and the daily restriction will be removed.

More information available at http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/124736/

“Living to the end: palliative care for an ageing population”
The theme for 2012 World Hospice and Palliative Care Day.

The WPCA approved the theme “Living to the end: palliative care for an ageing population” for the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day this year.

Please spread the word through your networks.

More information available at the updated Help the Hospices website
www.helpthehospices.org.uk

19th International Congress on Palliative Care

The 19th International Congress on Palliative Care, will take place during October 9-12, 2012, at the Palais des Congrès in Montréal , Canada.

Presented by Palliative Care McGill since 1976, this biennial Congress has earned its well-deserved reputation of being one of the world’s preeminent gatherings of palliative care professionals and others with an interest in the field.

What makes it so special?

• A unique opportunity to meet, share experiences and exchange ideas with colleagues from 60 countries, representing all disciplines involved in palliative care
• Practical, in-depth workshops and seminars on a broad range of topics covering all aspects of end-of-life care.
• Renowned speakers.
• Ample time for dialogue, questions and thoughtful interaction with speakers and fellow participants
• Reflections providing a unique and moving experience that leaves a lasting impression.

For more information on the Congress, visit www.pal2012.com, e-mail [email protected] or call +1 450-292-3456 ext. 227.

Great news from Jordania

Dr. Mohammad Bushnaq announces the graduation of the first cohort of palliative care diploma students. The program duration was 6 months (250 hours), it is based on EPEC- O, and the certificates are given by Jordan-German University.

Dr. Bushnaq thanks all those in his country that participated, including the WHO-Jordan office, the Jordan Palliative Care Society, the Ministry of Health, Royal Medical Services, and the Specialty Hospital.