Depression is a common condition in individuals receiving palliative care and can result from the emotional and psychological stress of a serious illness, as well as from physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and loss of independence. Depression can lead to feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and decreased energy and motivation, and it can also interfere with an individual’s ability to participate in treatment and care decisions.

Mental health considerations are important in palliative care because individuals receiving palliative care may also experience a range of other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, delirium, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can further complicate an individual’s experience of serious illness and can have a significant impact on their quality of life.

‘The quality of palliative care has great significance in improving the mental health of patients’.

Presentation Slides

Professor Gregory Crawford

Professor Greg Crawford is a palliative medicine physician with a significant clinical workload. He is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate education and research. He leads and participates in a wide range of research projects with qualitative, quantitative, and clinical trial methodologies. He has skills in community engagement and has been recognised by University of Adelaide Executive Dean’s medal, Vice Chancellors award, the John Sands medal from RACP and was appointed as a Member in the Order of Australia in 2022 for his contribution to palliative medicine and tertiary education. He has held many leadership roles in multiple palliative care organisations nationally and internationally and is currently collaborating in international systematic reviews and clinical guideline development projects.

We are extremely grateful for his support of our Project ECHO – Enhancing Palliative Care.

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