In this free PCNA webinar, Josh Cohen, RN NP and Senior Lecturer at Flinders University, and Robert Wojnar, Palliative Care, Education and Training Pharmacist at Monash University, explore one of the more challenging symptoms encountered in palliative care: itch.

While developed to support nurses in clinical practice, this session is also relevant to pharmacists and other health professionals involved in caring for people with palliative care needs.

Itch is a common yet often under-recognised symptom in palliative care and can have a significant impact on comfort, sleep, mood and quality of life. Management can be complex, with multiple potential underlying causes, challenging assessment requirements and treatments that may not always provide adequate relief.

In this session, our expert presenters explore:

• The physiology and causes of itch

• Which patients are most at risk of developing problematic itch

• Practical assessment strategies to identify underlying causes and guide management

• Non-pharmacological approaches and topical treatments

• Medication options and considerations when selecting appropriate therapies

• Strategies for managing severe or refractory itch to reduce distress and improve patient comfort

This practical, evidence-informed session provides useful insights and strategies to support health professionals in assessing and managing itch in palliative care.

Presenters

• Josh Cohen - RN NP and Senior Lecturer, Flinders University

• Robert Wojnar - Palliative Care, Education and Training Pharmacist, Monash University

Session Facilitator

Megan Day - Member of the PCNA Webinars Working Group and Transitional Nurse Practitioner in Palliative Care with Sydney Local Health District.

Megan is a Registered Nurse with postgraduate qualifications in Haematology and Palliative Care, bringing extensive clinical experience across haematology, cancer services and palliative care in both acute and community settings.

Originally presented live on 5 August 2026 as part of the PCNA Webinar Series.