Dr Martina Crehan is a PPI representative and member of the Voices4Care group of the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC), where she advocates on behalf of the care giver experience. She is passionate about the place of ‘voices’ and narrative in shaping policy, care and research in all areas of education, particularly the concept of care in health professions education and how it influences perspectives on treatment, and on communication with patients and carers.

Dr Crehan has a background in psychology and education, and has worked in higher education and faculty development for a number of years. Her areas of expertise include teaching and learning in higher education, student engagement formative assessment and feedback, and reflective practice. Her role also focuses on the delivery of consultancy and workshops on a variety of topics in learning and teaching development.

ABSTRACT

Summary: Martina was the primary caregiver to her husband, who was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2012. Her talk will focus on the caregiver experience, not just with the prospect and reality of the process of terminal illness, but also with navigating the role of “carer.” She will also discuss issues of communication and terminology and how they impact upon that navigation.