September 2023 session

Date: 12–1 pm Wednesday, 27 September 2023 

Topic: Multidisciplinary team management for patients with head and neck cancers

Overview:

• This presentation will provide an introduction to head and neck cancer, the role of the multidisciplinary team, and a case study outlining the care pathway of a patient with head and neck cancer.

• Head and neck cancer is a complex condition that impacts a person's ability to speak, eat, drink, breathe and can result in devastating facial disfigurement. There is no screening for head and neck cancers and early detection is key.

• Short and long term care for patients with head and neck cancers is often complex and involves a number of health professionals.

• Historically, smoking and alcohol were the most common causes of head and neck cancer, however many head and neck cancers are due to other causes. This includes Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which can affect young, otherwise healthy, non-smoking men and women.

Ipswich Hospital presenters:

• Radiation Oncologist Dr Daniel Klemm

• Ear Nose Throat Dr Tim Sapsford

• Senior Dietitian Kate Dwyer

• Speech Pathologist Lauren Wagner

• Physiotherapist Mikaela Lynch

Join: Click to join via Microsoft Teams

October 2023 session

Date: 12–1 pm Wednesday, 25 October 2023 

Topic: To QCAT, or not to QCAT…

Overview:

• The need to formally appoint an administrator or guardian for hospitalised vulnerable patients with concerns relating to impaired capacity has historically resulted in these patients remaining in the hospital setting for a longer than optimal length of stay.
• The Queensland Civil Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) Program has assisted in improving patient flow whilst ensuring that the welfare of vulnerable long stay patients is respected, their needs are met, and their general health care interests are protected. The program began in 2016 and has become standard practice at Metro North Health, designed to provide equity of access for all Queensland Health patients to tribunal hospital hearings within a reasonable timeframe to minimise the impact to patients.
• This presentation draws upon a human rights framework, seeks to provide an overview of the QCAT - specifically the Human Rights division, and expands on the QCAT Hospital Program. It explores supported decision making and least restrictive options where possible for patients with capacity concerns. Consideration of capacity and assessment will also be discussed.

Queensland Health QCAT Guardianship Program presenters Deidre Venz and Glenys Mulcahy:

• Deidre is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with 22 years' experience in acute hospital and community sectors, most recently working at Gold Coast Health. She is currently working as the Acting Clinical Lead for the QCAT Program. This role has allowed Deidre to expand her QCAT knowledge across a broader patient age range and the pleasure of collaborating with clinicians across the state. Deidre has a keen interest in working with older persons particularly those with complex presentations including impaired capacity and complex family situations including family violence or elder abuse. 

• Glenys is an Advanced Social Worker who has worked for Queensland Health since 1994 at the Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane, most recently as the Prince Charles Hospital Internal Medicine Social Work Clinical Lead. Glenys started her career as the first Social Worker at Barcaldine Hospitals Board in western Queensland in the early 1980s and has worked for Bluecare. Glenys is interested in the areas of aged care, rehabilitation, and guardianship. Her involvement with the Guardianship Program began in 2016 as a locum after the program commenced in Metro North Health. She is been a part-time Clinical Coordinator in the program since November 2021. 

Join: Click to join via Microsoft Teams

Questions?

• For technical support email wm_grandrounds@health.qld.gov.au.

• For more information about grand rounds email tanusha.ramaloo@health.qld.gov.au.

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Disclaimer: The information contained within the grand rounds videos on this webpage does not constitute professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Nothing contained in the grand rounds videos is intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes or as a substitute for a health professional's advice. Clinical material available on or through this webpage does not replace clinical judgement.

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