Hospital and Program Description:

BVH is a 150-bed community hospital with a full range of services. An inpatient Palliative Program has existed for approximately four years. The inpatient palliative care consultation service is staffed with a doctorate nurse.

Problem:

Patients discharged from inpatient services, residing at nursing homes or living at home with a life altering illness had no access to palliative care services. This leads to numerous readmissions and poor quality of life for those affected.

Processes to resolve problem:

An outpatient palliative care program was designed and implemented by a Nurse Practitioner. The program offers symptom management, advanced directive assistance focusing on physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Outcomes:

After a trial period the service became official January 1, 2007. The program has had a positive effect on the average of 16 persons. Readmissions have been decreased as well as successfully realizing revenue for BVH. Community education has been a component of the program with outreach to AARP, Parkinson’s support group, Senior Citizens Organization and Church groups.

Lessons Learned:

Primary Care Providers need much education, as does the community, in what Palliative Care has to offer.