Overview

There is no cure for Motor Neuron Disease (MND) or hope for cessation of progression, therefore, treatment and care focus on the optimisation and sustainment of quality of life and symptom relief via supportive care.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that psychological factors have a profound impact on the quality of life of people with MND (pwMND) and their carers. Multidisciplinary teams become recommended practice in the care for pwMND and their loved ones since the focus has moved beyond just physical symptom management.

A multitude of physical and psychological sequelae exist for pwMND and their carers. Standard care necessitates the assessment and management of various individual needs, including psychological and social support. The requirement for this support is evident, appropriate, and necessary right throughout the course of the disease, from diagnosis to the terminal phase, and beyond for remaining loved ones. 

This webinar aims to assist psychologists and physiotherapists in identifying common psychological and mental health considerations in the management of pwMND and their carers. This knowledge will enable psychologists and physiotherapists to adapt practice to meet the needs of pwMND and carers and positively impact their quality of life. 

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details 

• On-demand webinar recording 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• identify common psychological and mental health considerations in the management of people with MND and their carers,

• adapt practice to meet the needs of people with MND and carers and positively impact their quality of life, and

• identify resources and national support organisation to inform and adapt their practice when working with people with MND and their carers.

Presenter(s)

Paul Cafarella MAPS

About the presenter(s)

Paul Cafarella is a Health Psychologist in the Department of Respiratory, Sleep Medicine and Ventilation at Flinders Medical Centre and is affiliated with Flinders University and the University of Adelaide in South Australia. His areas of research and clinical expertise include the assessment, treatment, and consequences of mental health problems in people with respiratory and motor neuron diseases and their carers; non-pharmacological interventions to improve psychological well-being, including behaviour change programmes; illness perceptions; adherence, social stigma and social networks in disabled populations.