This
program is a comprehensive course designed for veterinary professionals seeking
to enhance their skills and knowledge in providing compassionate and effective
end-of-life care for companion animals. This program, led by Dr. Kathleen
Cooney, engages learners into modern best practices, including euthanasia
techniques, palliative care, and communication strategies with pet owners. It
emphasizes the importance of sedation for comfort, reducing fear, anxiety, and
stress in patients, and introduces innovative concepts like 'euharmony'.
Participants will learn to reimagine the concept of a 'good death', ensuring
both emotional and physical safety for clients and staff during the euthanasia
process.The
program focuses on enhancing the knowledge and skills of veterinary
professionals in providing compassionate end-of-life care. It covers various
aspects, including modern euthanasia techniques, the importance of sedation,
effective communication with pet owners, and strategies for supporting
veterinary teams. Among the entirety of the course the emotional and ethical
considerations involved in end-of-life care are described from Dr. Cooney's personal and professional experiences over many years of practice.
By completing this
program, participants will receive AAHA's Hospice & Palliative Care
Guidelines Certificate Digital Badge and gain confidence in providing
compassionate and professional end-of-life care, making a significant positive
impact on the lives of pets and their owners.
Program Outline
This program is delivered in 3 parts for a total of 10 Continuing Education hours. The introduction begins with reading the AAHA / IAAHPC's End of Life Care Guidelines to set the foundation of understanding and concepts at the core of practicing Hospice & Palliative Care in veterinary medicine. The course then divides into two sections: Hospice and Palliative Care. The first, Euthanasia and Hospice Services (modules 1-8) covers in detail the clinical goals of our patients while addressing the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the caregiver. The second, End of Life Care Palliative Care in Practice (modules 9-14), will guide you through the goals unique to palliative medicine, practices to alleviate discomfort and distress, and responsibilities after death.
Continuing Education (CE)
Category: Medical & Non-Medical
Hour(s): Veterinarians 10.0 ; Veterinary Technicians 10.0
*RACE submitted - not yet fully approved CE credit hours for all state and provincial boards in United States & Canada via AAVSB*
Program Enrollment Options
1. Complete Course (Euthanasia / Hospice & Palliative Care)
2. Euthanasia / Hospice Only
3. Palliative Care Only
AAHA Members
Non-Members
AAHA End of Life Care Guidelines Certificate Program
