Integration of Palliative Care Into All Serious Illness Care as a Human Right
In JAMA Health Forum, authors William E. Rosa, et al. detail the need for expanded access to palliative care for all people living with serious illness, using COVID-19 as an example of its necessity. The authors explain its importance for patients and families — calling it a human right — as well as clinicians who are increasingly experiencing burnout (through training with core skills, and making referrals). They also explain the other changes that need to be made at various levels, including medical and nursing school, state-and-federal policy, expanded payment models, and more.