Overview
I was appointed as Clinical Senior Lecturer in Palliative Medicine in 2009, and am based at the North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research in Wrexham. IÌýam a senior hospice and palliative medicine specialist with an interest in quality improvement, an accomplished educator with experience of working at national level, and a researcher with a track record of securing UK National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funding. My particular areas of interest are care in the last days of life for home-based people (including in rural areas), and how best to prepare relatives/carers for the dying process. I am a strong advocate for the benefits of roles integrating clinical work, education and research.
Qualifications
- Other: Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Development in Higher Education
Glyndwr University, 2011 - Professional: Membership
Royal College of Physicians, London, 2004 - Professional: MB CHB with distinction
University of Stellenbosch, 2000
Teaching and Supervision
I hold a post-graduate qualification in education (PGCPD in HE, obtained in 2011). In addition to delivering many teaching sessions overÌýthe years on palliative care topics to a range of (postgraduate) healthcare professionals in a rangeÌýof education settings, I have had much involvement in education coordination and design in theÌýregion.
I am an appraiser forÌýfellow consultants (specialists) in the region and aÌýDesignated Supervising Medical Practitioner (for ANP/non-medical prescribing training). Until recently, I was educational supervisor for the palliative medicine specialty trainees inÌýNorth Wales, as well as for a range of other junior doctor clinical and academic training gradeÌýposts. I have experience of mentoring trainees, and dealing with those in difficulty.
I held the national position of Chair of the WalesÌýDeanery Specialty Training Committee for Palliative Medicine for 4 years until my term expired inÌýOctober 2017, and on a UK-wide basis I was a question writer for the Specialty Clinical ExaminationÌýin Palliative Medicine (the knowledge-based exit examination for those sub-specialising in PalliativeÌýMedicine in the UK, and a pre-requisite for completion of specialty training) until 2021.
I am a Fellow of theÌýUK Higher Education Academy.
Research Interests
I was co-Chief InvestigatorÌýon an NIHR-funded study of the feasibility of (unpaid relative/)carer-administered as-neededÌýmedication for symptoms in the last days of life in home-based patients. As co-author on the rapidly developed All-Wales policy in the pandemic context, I have led on clinical implementation since April 2020. I obtained my PhD qualification on the topic in April 2022. Through our work, we have influenced implementation of the intervention across the UK, and I am founding co-chair of the national Community of Practice.
Supported by infrastructure funding from PRIME Centre Wales, our unit's research programme focussing on community palliative care in the last days of life is gaining pace. I am co-lead for the PRIME work package on Supportive and End of Life Care. We have also built strong research links withÌýAustralian partners, where strategies to deliver rural palliative care are of utmost importance.
Between 2013 and 2019 I was a panel member of the NIHR HTA Panel A.
Publications
2023
- Published
Poolman, M., 25 Sept 2023
Research output: Other contribution
2022
- Unpublished
Poolman, M., 2022, (Unpublished)
Research output: Other contribution - Published
Hendry, A., Hiscock, J. & Poolman, M., Dec 2022, In: Palliative Care and Social Practice . 16, 9 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - Published
Hendry, A., Hiscock, J., Evans, E., Pottie, J., Wilkinson, C. & Poolman, M., 2 Feb 2022, In: International Journal of Palliative Nursing. 28, 2, p. 72-79 8 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2020
- Published
Poolman, M. & Shuler, A., 20 Mar 2020, 45 p. NHS Wales Health Collaborative.
Research output: Other contribution › peer-review - Published
Poolman, M., Roberts, J., Wright, S., Hendry, A., Goulden, N., Holmes, E., Byrne, A., Perkins, P., Hoare, Z., Nelson, A., Hiscock, J., Hughes, D., O'Connor, J., Foster, B., Reymond, L., Healy, S., Lewis, P., Wee, B., Johnstone, R. P., Roberts, R., Parkinson, A., Roberts, S. & Wilkinson, C., 2 Jun 2020, In: Health Technology Assessment. 24, 25, 150 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - Published
Pottle, J., Hiscock, J., Neal, R. D. & Poolman, M., Mar 2020, In: BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. 10, 1, e6.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - Published
INPIC Group, Dec 2020, In: BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. 10, 4, p. 429-434 6 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2019
- Published
Poolman, M., Roberts, J., Byrne, A., Perkins, P., Hoare, Z., Nelson, A., Hiscock, J., Hughes, D., Foster, B., O'Connor, J., Reymond, L., Healy, S., Roberts, R., Wee, B., Lewis, P., Johnstone, R., Roberts, S., Holmes, E., Wright, S., Hendry, A. & Wilkinson, C., 7 Feb 2019, In: Trials. 20, 1, 16 p., 105.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - Published
Philips, G., Lifford, K., Edwards, A., Poolman, M. & Joseph-Williams, N., 1 Sept 2019, In: Palliative Medicine. 33, 8, p. 985-1002
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - Published
Singh Curry, R., Evans, E., Raftery, A.-M., Hiscock, J. & Poolman, M., 3 Dec 2019, In: BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. 9, 4, p. 381-388
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2017
- Published
Johnstone, R. P., Poolman, M., Ryan, K., Schofield, P. & Watt, B., 27 Sept 2017, In: Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care. 3, 2, p. 32-38 7 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - Published
Johnstone, R., Mitchell, H. & Poolman, M., May 2017.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review - Published
Wilkinson, C., Poolman, M., Roberts, J., Wee, B., Hiscock, J., Hughes, D., Nelson, A., Perkins, P., Johnstone, R. P., Reymond, E., Foster, B., O'Connor, J., Jones, S., Hoare, Z., Roberts, R., Byrne, A., Healy, S. & Lewis, P., 1 Sept 2017.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review - Published
Watt, B., Hiscock, J., Poolman, M. & Livingstone, T., 1 Sept 2017.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review - Published
Johnstone, R. P., Poolman, M. & Mitchell, H. E., 28 Aug 2017, In: Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care. 3, 2, 7 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - Published
Singh Curry, R., Evans, E., Poolman, M. & Hiscock, J., May 2017.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Other › peer-review
2016
- Published
Johnstone, R. P., Ryan, K., Poolman, M., Richards, T. & Usborne, C., 1 Apr 2016.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review - Published
Mitchell, H. E., Poolman, M., Johnstone, R. P. & Rawlinson, F., 1 Apr 2016.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review
2015
- Published
Welstand, J., Poolman, M. & George, J., May 2015.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review - Published
Poolman, M., Mayland, C., Byers, J., Campkin, N., Antrobus, H. & Sharma, M., May 2015.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review - Published
Johnstone, R., Mitchell, H. & Poolman, M., May 2015.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review
2014
- Published
France, B. D., Lewis, R. A., Sharma, M. L. & Poolman, M., 1 Mar 2014, In: BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. 4, 1, p. 19-29
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2009
- Published
Philp, R., Poolman, M., Martin, N. & Makin, M., 2009, In: European Journal of Palliative Care. 16, 3, p. 110 115 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2006
- Published
Poolman, M. & Makin, M., 1 Apr 2006, In: Palliative Medicine. 20, 3
Research output: Contribution to journal › Meeting Abstract › peer-review - Published
Makin, M., Poolman, M., Philp, R. & Martin, N., 1 Apr 2006, In: Palliative Medicine. 20, 3, p. 307
Research output: Contribution to journal › Meeting Abstract › peer-review
2003
- Published
Poolman, M. & Hough, S., 2003, In: Journal of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa. 8, 2, p. 52-59
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Activities
2024
Attending SPC/hospice colleagues in support of the Palliate package (derived from CARiAD) to be rolled out to the whole region. Agreement in principle sought, and obtained, from the group.
18 Apr 2024
Activity: Other (Advisor)10 Apr 2024
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)10 Apr 2024
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
2023
CARiAD presentation as part of ‘We’re here, this is what we do. Developing creative opportunities in rural communities’ workshop.
Nov 2023 →
Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Speaker)Highest-scoring abstract, invited to present the annual Andy Fowell Memorial Lecture
Oct 2023 →
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)Oral presentation, international conference
16 Jun 2023
Links:
2022
The aim of the activities outlined in this proposal is to accelerate the impact of the intervention as studied in the NIHR- funded CARIAD feasibility trial and subsequently implemented in clinical practice. The acceleration of the impact of carer-administration supported by this funding will be strengthened by the established external partnerships with BCUHB, Helix Centre (Imperial College London) and the national (UK) Community of Practice (CoP) (co-facilitated by MP). It will support the building of new collaborations and partnerships, including with patients and carers, policy makers, health care organisations and academic institutions. Activities will focus on IT support for the already established CoP (national network of HCPs), creating a social media presence for the intervention and working towards a national database/registry of important outcomes.
Funding awarded through the Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ Innovation and Impact Award (Research Wales Innovation Funding). Value = £50,000
1 Apr 2022 – 31 Mar 2023
Activity: Other (Contributor)Presentation of North Wales CARiAD implementation and clinical outcomes. Introduction by Alison MacRobbie.
9 Mar 2022
Activity: Invited talk (Invited speaker)
2021
7 Jul 2021
Activity: Oral presentation (Invited speaker)I am founding co-facilitator of the national community of practice for the intervention studied as part of the CARiAD feasibility RCT.
2021 →
Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups (Chair)
2020
Oral presentation of CARiAD feasibility RCT results
2020
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)
2019
Oral presentation by Annie Hendry on behalf of CARiAD team.
In this paper we discuss accounts of lay carers who have cared for a dying person at home during the last days of life. Many people nearing the end of life express a wish to die at home; the fulfilment of this wish often depends on the ability of a lay carer to support them at home during this difficult and emotional time. Relationships between carers and those they care for may experience change as the needs of an individual evolve, boundaries between the medical and the non-medical world shift, and end of life becomes increasingly closer.
Healthcare professionals support those having a home death by visiting to administer medications. This can mean long waiting times which may contribute to distress and discomfort for patient and carer.
In this study, lay carers were trained to give under the skin medications when needed. In depth interviews were conducted with carers and analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.
The rich and detailed accounts of carers in this study reveal the complexity of caring relationships during the last days of life and are intrinsically bound with the desire to fulfil wishes, alleviate pain and suffering and to contribute actively towards care. However, these factors are further intertwined with concerns regarding lay/ professional boundaries, carer burden and the potential for hastening death. This paper will shed light on the lived experiences of those caring for a dying person and the ways in which they navigate their way through this challenging time.
5 Dec 2019
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)Oral presentation by Jess Richards on behalf of the CARiAD team
27 Nov 2019
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)Oral presentation of CARiAD feasibility RCT results
21 Nov 2019
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)Oral presentation of CARiAD results, poster presentation of protocol. Poster presentation was highly commended.
24 Oct 2019
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)Joint oral presentation by CARiAD team and public contributor. CARIAD results poster also presented; won first prize.
18 Oct 2019
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)Oral presentation of qualitative findings from the CARiAD project by Annie Hendry on behalf of the CARiAD team.
11 Sep 2019
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)
2017
Conversation article authored by Professor Clare Wilkinson.
15 Mar 2017
Links:
Projects
-
01/10/2016 – 15/08/2018 (Finished)
Description
Preparatory work towards NIHR HTA commissioning brief 16/102
Qualitative study (interviews with, and self-recorded brief accounts of primary and palliative care clinicians)
Other Grants and Projects
Other Information
In January 2022 I took up the post of co-Clinical Director of Palliative Care for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).
Since February 2009, as part of my clinical sessions, I have had joint hospice and community care appointments across several localities in the large geography of North Wales, giving me a clear understanding of the functioning of both National Health Service (NHS) and independent (charity) sectors. Hospice care includes leading ward rounds of hospice inpatients, providing senior managerial input to the medical/Advance Nurse Practitioner team and supporting the Clinical Effectiveness programme. Community specialist palliative care support is provided by integrated medical and nursing teams, and we work in concert with primary care teams (general practitioners and district nurses) to support people with palliative care needs at home. Both clinical roles come with the associated supporting professional activities including support for colleagues involved in quality improvement projects. In terms of non-malignant palliative care, my interest lies in heart failure palliative care, and I have had much involvement in regional service development for this patient group. I provide cross-cover for clinical colleagues in the hospital specialist palliative care team, as well as out-of-hours telephone advice to clinicians across North Wales as part of a regional on call rota.
On a national (all-Wales) level I am academic lead for the Care Decisions for the Last Days of Life project, a well-established project providing dedicated guidance to support last days of life care irrespective of setting, with a national feedback system providing outcomes on care.
I am a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London and have been trained in Quality Improvement (IQT Silver, NHS Wales).
Personal
Originally from Namibia, I studied Medicine at the University of Stellenbosch (Cape Town, South Africa), obtaining my primary degree cum laude in December 2000. In 2001, I moved to the United Kingdom. I concluded junior doctor training in November 2004 after achieving membership of the Royal College of Physicians, London by completing general internal medicine specialty examinations. I sub-specialised in Palliative Medicine (Completion of Specialty Training, October 2008) and was offered a full-time permanent senior clinical academic appointment (50% clinical, 50% academic, North Wales campus of Cardiff University, then Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ) which commenced February 2009.