Empowering pharmacists in palliative care: Support and impact

Palliative care is essential to improving the quality of life of older persons with life-limiting illnesses, addressing complex physical, emotional and social needs. Pharmacists, as accessible healthcare professionals, play a key role in optimising medication use, managing symptoms and supporting patients and families during this stage of care. This webinar, part of the series “The role of pharmacists in the care of older persons” and marking World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2025, will explore how pharmacists can contribute to palliative care services, highlight best practices in cancer-related palliative care, and discuss global perspectives and essential communication skills to empower pharmacists in delivering compassionate, people-centred support.

Moderator:

- Betty B. Chaar, Associate Professor, University of Sydney, School of Pharmacy, Australia

Panellists:

- Elizabeth Mattfeld, Project Manager, The Worldwide Hospice and Palliative Care Alliance, Global, Non-Profit based in UK/USA

- Aline Hajj, Global Lead for Development Goal 10 - Equity & Equality, FIP; Professor, Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Canada

- Gizem Gülpınar, Assoc. Prof., Department of Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Türkiye

- Darren Walsh, Chief 2 Pharmacist (Medicines Information and Education), Geriatric Oncology Pharmacist, University Hospital Waterford, Ireland