Creating a Palliative Care Program: Insights from Hospital Leaders
February 2010
Palliative care programs provide a number of benefits to hospitals and clinicians caring for patients with life-threatening or serious chronic illness. Among 325 California hospitals responding to a 2008 survey, 43% have palliative care programs.
The California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) spoke with administrative and medical leaders from various types of hospitals across the state to gain insights into how these programs are set up, what the benefits and challenges are, and how clinical staff respond to them. Brief case studies lay out the basics for each program, and a resources section provides links to publications and organizations focused on palliative care.
Among the highlights:
- Typical benefits that accrue to hospitals include cost-savings, improved patient and staff satisfaction, and enhanced reputation.
- Physicians can be more efficient because palliative care staff handle the more time-consuming interactions with patients and families.
- Care can be highly individualized to patients’ and families’ needs by combining curative and comfort measures.
This report is one of a series of research projects and initiatives to promote appropriate end-of-life care in California.
The complete report is available under Document Downloads below.