End-of-Life
and Palliative Care programs have become a national priority for hospitals. According
to a recent report from the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) in 2008 54.8%
of hospitals in the U.S. with 50 or more beds have palliative care programs. This
is over a 100% increase since 2000, highlighting not only the cost effectiveness
of these programs but the growth and specialization of Palliative Medicine as
a distinct discipline to manage complex illness through the course of the disease.
The Joint Commission now has a special accreditation process for Palliative Care
programs. Patient satisfaction studies show that Palliative Care programs enhance
the patient’s and family’s hospital experience. With the onset of an aging population
that will likely live longer, know more about their disease and demand more in
conversation with their healthcare team , Palliative Care programs both in and
out of the hospital setting will be a factor in patient choice. Compassionate
Care Consulting can help you by customizing a Palliative Care and comprehensive
End-of-Life program designed to meet the unique needs of your hospital, its healthcare
staff, patients and families. Contact us now for your complimentary consulting
assessment. |