Synopsis

The use of drugs off-label by clinicians is common in palliative care. Covert drug administration by parents is, however, rare. In clinical practice, we sometimes encounter parents who are serving cannabis for various reasons. Specifically, in our local setting, Kratom has been tried as an opiate alternative by parents to alleviate the pain of children with life-limiting illnesses. We share a case study of a child who was given Kratom near the end of life. Questions arise in reflection: What is our responsibility as healthcare professionals when faced with parents who experiment with drugs outside palliative care indications? Do we respect or go against their wishes?

Speaker Bio

Dr Fahisham Taib qualified from University College Dublin in 1999 and obtained MRCPCH in 2009. Thereafter, he completed the SpecCertPallCare at the University of Melbourne before going on to set up a palliative care team in collaboration with YOKUK to create a homecare service for children with life-limiting illnesses. He is currently working at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia as a lecturer and a specialist. His most recent accomplishment is completing a 2-year Fellowship in PPC Cardiff with Dr Richard Hain.

The programme will be in the following format:

• Case presentation with Q&A
• Learning issue of the Day
• In-depth discussion and experience sharing
• Programme updates and social exchange