IMhPaCT: an education strategy for cross-training palliative care and mental health clinicians

Abstract

The Australian Integrated Mental Health and Palliative Care Task (IMhPaCT) project aimed to improve the quality of palliative care for people with a severe and persistent mental illness and those who develop mental health issues as a response to their diagnosis of a life-limiting illness. These patients and families are generally cases of high complexity and require strong collaboration and cooperation across various service sectors. Education across both palliative care and mental health services was identified as a key objective in improving palliative care service delivery in this patient population. This article specifically addresses one aspect of the project-the education strategy. The processes of development, implementation, and evaluation of outcomes are discussed.