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People with intellectual disability often have unique health, communication, and support needs at the end of life, requiring a tailored, person-centred approach to palliative care. General practitioners and clinicians play a key role in recognising how presentations may differ, including complex comorbidities and challenges in identifying symptoms.

Join us to learn more about early recognition of clinical deterioration, timely referral to palliative care services, and navigating local pathways. The session will also explore system-level factors such as NDIS processes, supported accommodation, and workforce capacity, and highlight the importance of inclusive communication, reflective practice, and supporting individuals, families, and caregivers throughout the end-of-life journey.

Speaker: Maria Heaton, SESLHD Intellectual Disability Palliative Care Lead CNC

Facilitator: Dr Jessica Murphy, GP and Intellectual Disability Educator

Learning Outcomes:

1. Differentiate key features of palliative and end-of-life care for people with intellectual disability compared to the general population
2. Identify and assess signs of clinical deterioration and determine appropriate timing for referral to palliative care services
3. Apply knowledge of local referral pathways to effectively access palliative care services across health districts
4. Recognise and navigate logistical and system-level considerations when coordinating end-of-life care, including supported accommodation, NDIS processes, and workforce factors
5. Evaluate the impact of health professional’s attitudes, bias, and communication on people with ID, their families and care givers.

Target audience: GPs, nurses, AHPs, pharmacists, specialists

This event is open to all GPs nurses, AHPs and specialists across all PHNs.

*Please note GP Registrars who wish to register for CPD events and do not have a member number will need to contact the CPD Department on 1300 986 991