Pharmacological Strategies to Manage Symptoms of Palliative Care Patient
Dr. Gregory L. Holmquist, PharmD, CPE
About This Course
Recorded June 2025 and valid through June 2028
Price $125 for 5 Hours
2025-06-10 Pharmacological Strategies to Manage Symptoms of Palliative Care Patients-What Primary Care Providers Need to Know CE Contact Hours
Learning Objectives
1. Define what “palliative care” is and state the overall pharmacological goals of palliative care. 2. State common symptoms experienced by palliative care patients with the following diseases: (a) Cancer; (b) COPD; (c) Renal disease; (d) Liver disease; (e) ALS; (f) Parkinson’s disease.
3. Compare and contrast core pharmacological principles for the use of opioids in palliative care patients versus hospice patients.
4. Describe best practice for use of common pain medications including agent selection, dosing, titration, routes of administration and common side effects of: Opioids (morphine, methadone, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone and buprenorphine) Adjuvants such as NSAIDS, anti-depressants, anticonvulsants.
5. Propose a pharmacological management strategy for each of the following symptoms: (a) nausea and vomiting (b) dyspnea (c) mental status changes (anxiety, agitation, hallucinations) (d) constipation (e) pruritus (f) insomnia (g) anorexia; cachexia (h) weakness and fatigue (i) muscle spasms.
6. Cite four general principles for medication optimization (deprescribing) to improve the pharmacological outcomes of palliative care patients.
“Great update and information, thank you!
I enjoyed day 1 topics even though I don’t do palliative care anymore.
Great speaker, very informative
Very helpful topic. Will be invaluable in serving my numerous hospice patients moving forward.
”
Dr. Gregory L. Holmquist, PharmD, CPE
Dr. Holmquist received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Washington in Seattle. He is a board certified Oncology Pharmacist, an American Medical Association Certified Educator for Physicians on Endof-Life Care, and an American Society of Pain Educators Certified Pain Educator (C.P.E.). As a clinician and educator, Dr. Holmquist’s philosophy of care is summarized in one core statement, “Making a difference in the lives of patients”
Accreditation Information
PHARMACISTS :University Learning Systems is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. These programs are accredited for pharmacists. On-demand courses provide HOME STUDY credit only.
CONSULTANT PHARMACISTS: Some consultant pharmacist boards accept University Learning Systems courses for recertification either as is or with board approval. Please contact your board regarding course approval and ULS with any questions.
CANADIAN PHARMACISTS: Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy (CCCEP) accepts courses accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). This credit is applicable to health professionals who may require pharmacology credit.
NURSE PRACTITIONERS: This course fulfills the pharmacotherapeutics/ pharmacology requirements for American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Category 1 Continuing Education Hours for certification renewal as well as other Nurse Practitioner credentialing organizations. The same hours submitted to renew certification may be submitted to a State Board of Nursing for re-licensure. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accepts formally approved continuing education sponsored by organizations accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) accepts on demand courses approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. This program offers Category 2 credit only.
NURSES: University Learning Systems is Approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 11409, CE Broker: Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Mexico, and West Virginia, Boards of Nursing.
PHYSICIANS: This CME program offers Category 2 credit.
CANADIAN PHYSICIANS: Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada are eligible to receive MAINPRO-M2 credits for participation in this activity.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS: This CME program offers Category 2 credit.
OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: Contact your respective board regarding approval.