Episode 36

Exploring the Role of Nurses in Palliative Care with Dr Sarah Mollard

In this episode of Medicubes, hosts Riwka and Kim are joined by Dr Sarah Mollard, a GP from Five Star Medical Centre and clinical lead at Healthy North Coast. They delve into the topic of palliative care involvement in primary care, particularly the role of nurses.

Sharing her insights on shifting perspectives around palliative care, emphasising its importance in enhancing patients’ quality of life earlier in their journey rather than just in their final days.

Key Points:

  • Palliative Care Perspective: Palliative care should not be limited to end-of-life scenarios but be part of early patient management to improve quality of life.
  • Role of Nurses: Nurses play a critical role in palliative care through chronic disease management, psychosocial support, and care planning activities.
  • Advanced Care Planning: Addressing hesitancies, Dr Mollard discusses the importance of initiating advanced care planning conversations early to align with patient wishes.
  • Proactive Planning: Early identification of patients benefiting from palliative care supports proactive care, better planning, and fulfilling patient and family wishes.
  • Holistic Approach: A holistic understanding of palliative care involves examining broader patient needs beyond disease management, involving psychosocial care, and planning for supportive resources.

Links & Resources:

  • https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au
  • https://www.eldac.com.au/Our-Toolkits/Primary-Care

Everyone is encouraged to think creatively and engage in team discussions to optimise patient palliative care pathways and use available resources for training and effective care delivery.


Medicubes is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.

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About the Podcast

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Medicubes
The Medicubes team bring you a monthly panel conversation of exciting and challenging topics in primary health care, answering listener questions and invited guests to the discussions.

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About your hosts

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Kim Poyner

Accredited Health Coach and executive coach, with over 20 years of experience in General Practice and Intensive Care Units. Mentor to health professionals and organisations to achieve their best, specialising in chronic disease management, coaching, and change management programs.
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Riwka Hagen

An experienced general practice manager, with a passion for leadership development, coaching, and business management in the health sector. As the Director of Medical Business Services and Medical Business Coaching, she provides consulting, advisory, coaching, training, and mentoring services to health organisations Australia-wide, and is also the founder of the highly active Facebook group 'Practice Managers Network'.
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Chris Smeed

A lover of all things Practice Management and Data. Always thinking of ways to make life easier and to help with patient outcomes.