Frequently Asked Questions
1 Can schools of osteopathic medicine apply?
Yes
2. What is included in the didactic core curriculum MCW can provide provide?
A peer reviewed, didactic, on-line, modular curriculum, of approximately 23 hours will be available for schools to use through MCW. The curriculum can be used as student self-study material, or the basis for classroom didactic/small group teaching or for faculty development. Schools are not mandated to use this curriculum and if you decide to use the curriculum, you may choose only those modules you feel are important for your students. Schools will be provided with links to other on-line curriculum to supplant or supplement the standardized curriculum.
Modules
Dying in America
The Family Goal Setting conference
Pain assessment
Hospice Care and Prognostication
Pain treatment
Cultural Care
Pain or Addiction
Artificial hydration/nutrition
Dyspnea/Delirium
DNR orders
Depression
Psychosocial care
Constipation
Self Care
Nausea
Ethics
Giving Bad News
Last days of life
3. Is the experiential component part of the mandatory or only elective component of the program?
An experiential component is mandated for both the required and elective experiences.
Student time commitment can vary. Currently, schools offering experiential training for all students include anywhere from ½ - 10 days of direct patient care exposure in hospice or palliative care settings. Elective experiences currently range from 1-4 weeks.
4. Is it acceptable to begin the required curriculum in palliative care after July 1, 2010?
Yes, but there must be an implementation commitment for new required course work to begin no later than July 2011.
5. Are "indirect costs" allowed?
No
6. Is it acceptable to operate the program through our Office of Education, as an interdisciplinary and interdepartmental effort, rather than “assign” the project to a specific clinical department?
Yes.
7. Would I be eligible to receive 50% of the grant's funds to work on the project as the director of palliative care education for medical students, or must these funds be designated for a traditional clerkship director in medicine, surgery, etc?
Schools may choose to use their funds in a manner different than requested in the application. To do so, plan to provide:
A statement in the budget narrative explaining why they wish to deviate from the requirement to provide 50% of funding to a clerkship director and how they will ensure that the new required/elective course will be sustained beyond the grant period.
A supporting letter from the clerkship director or curriculum dean providing rationale for the funding deviation request and commitment to sustainability for the new curriculum.
8. Can a hospice program apply, as the agent working with a medical school?
No; the application must originate from the medical school.