Center to Advance Palliative Care

David, As a new provider in a new program in the hospital, I am just beginning to address this question. One strategy so far: I met with the new housestaff last week for a very brief overview of PC (20 minutes)(incidentally 5 of the 30 or so present had had any previous exposure to PC). I gave each one a laminated 3X5 card with "appropriate referral criteria" on one side and "inappropriate referral criteria" on the reverse. In my brief talk, I emphasized my availability for questions, if unsure about a referral, or questions on PC in general, etc. so as to encourage ongoing communication and good working relationships . I am meeting with the hospital discharge planners (social workers and RNs, the hospitalists, and current house staff in July to review the PC referral criteria and discuss my role. As the sole provider and sole PC staff member, I have a huge task in developing the program, marketing it, and doing the consults. The marketing described above is a beginning.

Judith Hill Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner Virginia Mason Medical Center Seattle, WA