Jella Nandedkar Memorial Hybrid Symposium on Evidence-Based Palliative Care

In Memory of Dr. Sandhya Jella Nandedkar

Date: Saturday October 26, 2024

Venue: Hotel Avasa, Hitech City, Hyderabad

Organized By: The Indo-American Cancer Association and The Pain Relief and Palliative Care Society.

The recent one-day Jella Nandedkar Memorial Hybrid Symposium on “Evidence-Based Palliative Care,” co-chaired by Dr. Suresh K Reddy Professor, Department of Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center USA, and Dr. Gayatri Palat, Professor and HOD at MNJ Regional Cancer Center, Hyderabad, brought together 116 participants in a hybrid format to discuss the latest research and advancements in palliative care. The event was supported by Dr. Abhay Kumar Jella, brother of Dr. Sandhya Jella Nandedkar, honouring her legacy and commitment to the field of paediatrics. During the opening ceremony, Dr. Sriram Yennu, Professor, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center USA, was awarded the Dr. Sandhya Memorial Award for Excellence in Palliative Care Research.

Session Highlights

• New Treatments for Cancer-Related Fatigue
  Dr. Sriram Yennu discussed emerging approaches for managing cancer-related fatigue in advanced cancer patients, focusing on improving patient quality of life through evidence-based practices.
• Development of Palliative Care in India
  Dr. Sushma Bhatnagar, Chief, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital and Head, Dept. of Onco-Anaesthesia and Palliative Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi,  shared the growth of palliative care in India.
• Burnout: Implications & Interventions
  Dr. Suresh K Reddy addressed caregiver burnout, its impact, and practical interventions to build resilience among palliative care providers.
• Understanding Serious Health-Related Suffering (SHS)
  Dr. Nandini Vallath, Professor and Head Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, St Johns National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, discussed holistic approaches to address SHS, focusing on physical, emotional, and social needs in patient care.
• Expanding Access through ECHO Model
  Dr. Sriram Yennu presented the ECHO model, illustrating how it bridges gaps in palliative care access and supports local providers in underserved areas.
• Chronic Pain in Children
  Dr. Gayatri Palat reviewed trends in chronic pain treatment in children, highlighting early interventions for better long-term outcomes, and emphasized AI’s role in personalizing treatment and improving accessibility.
• Role of Octreotide in Palliative Care
  Dr. Praneeth Suvvari, Consultant and In-charge, Department of Pain and Palliative Medicine, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, discussed octreotide’s role in treating malignant bowel obstruction and other conditions, enhancing symptom relief for patients.

Panel Discussion: Legal Standing of Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide, and Advance Care Planning in India

A four-expert panel explored euthanasia, assisted suicide, and advance care planning from global and Indian perspectives:

• Global Legal Perspectives – Dr. Suresh K Reddy reviewed international laws and ethical considerations for euthanasia and assisted suicide.
• India’s Legal Framework – Dr. Nandini Vallath discussed India’s legal stance on euthanasia, referencing key Supreme Court rulings and implications for families and practitioners.

This symposium encouraged informed discourse on crucial palliative care issues, advancing Dr. Sandhya Jella Nandedkar’s legacy of compassion and excellence.