Empowering Through Health Education
Inpatient Palliative Care Services
The inpatient palliative care services project was a collaborative effort involving the Director of Case Management, contracted hospice services, case managers, and key administrative staff, including the chief medical officer, chief nursing officer, and hospital president. The team aimed to enhance care by addressing critical goals, including reducing readmissions, minimizing long-term hospital stays, and improving overall patient satisfaction. After thorough discussions, the decision was made to initiate inpatient palliative care services earlier in hospitalization, ensuring timely support for patients and their families. This proactive approach is to significantly improve patient outcomes and experience.
Mission
The inpatient palliative care project aims to enhance patient outcomes by integrating palliative care consultation services for eligible patients. This initiative focuses on reducing readmission rates and hospital length of stay while fostering informed patient and family participation in healthcare decisions. By offering specialized support, the project seeks to alleviate uncertainty and frustration for both families and hospital staff, ultimately improving the overall efficiency of care delivery and resource management.
Vision
Ideally, if ordered upon discharge, outpatient palliative care would work with the patient and their family to clarify expectations regarding the management of chronic diseases, provide guidance on appropriate community services for preventative measures and maintenance, and advise on when to use convenient care or the emergency department. By ensuring patients utilize the appropriate community services, the project seeks to alleviate unnecessary visits to the hospital emergency department, improving overall efficiency in care delivery.
