Death over Dinner
RA Tas received funding from Primary Health Tasmania to pilot and deliver 24 Death Over Dinner (DOD) workshops to diverse healthcare provider audiences across Tasmania.
We collaborated with Rebecca Bartel, who holds the Australian License for Death over Dinner, under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU allowed us to tailor the program to better suit the needs of the Tasmanian healthcare sector.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect, however my expectations were definitely met, I loved how this workshop kept me engaged from the start. Having that initial thought of a loved one that has passed and to have that person with you throughout the workshop was brilliant, really made me think of things in a different way which I needed.”
The primary goal of the pilot program was to enhance healthcare providers’ confidence and skills in initiating and responding to conversations about end-of-life (EoL) wishes. We achieved this by encouraging participants to reflect on their own EoL wishes and values. Participants gained the necessary skills to engage in meaningful conversations with patients and their caregivers. This project significantly contributed to advancing person-centred outcomes for Tasmanians facing life-limiting conditions, as well as those providing support.
The workshops were interactive, offering an engaging experience that left a lasting impact on participants. They approached the serious topic with a mix of curiosity, open-mindedness, and heartfelt discussions, all while ensuring an enjoyable, fun and meaningful atmosphere.
All 24 workshops were conducted between February and June 2024, with several organisations remaining on a participant ‘waitlist’ post project due to high demand. Workshops were held across Tasmania, including Campbell Town, Longford, Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Smithton, and Devonport. A wide array of organisations participated, representing various sectors such as mental health, aged care, community healthcare, and acute healthcare including palliative care.
Feedback from client surveys highlight that the workshops had a profoundly positive impact on participants. Before the workshop, few had deeply considered or documented their EoL wishes. However, post-workshop, there was a significant increase in participants planning to complete an advanced care plan directive. Moreover, the workshops successfully motivated participants to initiate or extend important conversations with their loved ones about EoL wishes, highlighting the crucial role of practitioner-led discussions. The overwhelmingly positive feedback underscores the workshops’ effectiveness, with many participants eager to recommend them to their family, friends, and colleagues.
Looking ahead, RA Tas is working hard to secure funding/support to continue to offer DOD to healthcare organisations, as well as broadening the scope of the audience to include community organisations.