Wassim Y. Almawi’s Post

Research shows that the public doesn’t understand what palliative care is, often confusing it with end-of-life care and hospice. What can palliative care clinicians do to overcome these misconceptions? Lisa Morgan and Rachael Heitner, MPH, give answers to this important question in the CAPC article, “Let’s Stay on Message with Palliative Care.” How we describe palliative care in our public messaging may seem accurate and clear to those of us in the field, but we are not talking to ourselves. We are speaking to our audience. What matters is what resonates with them. Imagine if you were the CEO of a hospital or health system, a provider, a patient, or a family member. If you heard palliative care clinicians talk about death and dying, and that’s what you read on every palliative care website, your takeaway would be that palliative care is only for those at the end of life. If we ourselves aren’t clear in describing what we do, how can our referral sources correctly identify the patients who need our care?

Both hospice and palliative care share a common goal —  improving the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses by providing relief from symptoms and distress. Palliative care is a specialized medical approach that can be administered alongside curative treatments at any stage of illness. It involves a multidisciplinary team addressing physical, emotional, and psychological needs, with a focus on enhancing overall quality of life and symptom management. On the other hand, hospice care is designed for patients with a terminal illness when curative treatments are no longer effective or desired, typically with a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice prioritizes comfort, offering support at home, in a hospice facility, or sometimes in a hospital, while also providing emotional assistance for families. It's important to note that there can be an overlap between these two forms of care, and patient choice plays a pivotal role in deciding the appropriate care level. Honest and open communication with healthcare providers ensures patients receive care that aligns with their goals and values, facilitating a more informed and compassionate healthcare journey. #inhomeconnect #palliativecare #hospicepatients #palliativecareprofessionals #elderlycare

Hospice and Palliative Care: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Assisted Living Understanding the difference between hospice and palliative care is crucial for assisted living facilities when making decisions about patient care. Here’s a quick breakdown: - Palliative Care: Focuses on improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses at any stage, not just end-of-life. It can be provided alongside curative treatments and helps manage symptoms like pain, anxiety, and fatigue. - Hospice Care: Specifically for patients nearing the end of life, typically when curative treatments are no longer effective or desired. The goal is to provide comfort, dignity, and support in a patient’s final months. Why does it matter? Choosing between hospice and palliative care can have a significant impact on patient comfort, care planning, and resource management. Humanitas Hospice can help your facility determine when each approach is appropriate, ensuring that residents receive the right care at the right time. Want to learn more about how we can support your facility with both hospice and palliative care? Let’s connect. #HospiceCare #PalliativeCare #HumanitasHospice #AssistedLiving #PatientCare #HealthcarePartnerships

Choosing palliative care vs hospice care is a delicate conversation that some providers shy away from having. Doctors are individuals just like we are, and while many may not hesitate to have this discussion, many do. If your family is coping with a serious illness, it's time to have open and honest communication with your healthcare providers about your options. Understanding why they may hesitate might help you understand how to initiate a much-needed conversation. Here are a few reasons why your provider might hesitate to discuss palliative vs hospice options.   https://bit.ly/49JcgN1

For seriously ill patients, palliative care before hospice can make huge improvements in quality of life. The issue: fewer than half of eligible patients receive palliative care referrals. In our new study, my co-authors and I found that using hospice to provide upstream palliative care can increase access, improve outcomes, and ease the transition to hospice. Read the study in the Journal of Palliative Medicine (linked in the comments below). #HealthcareonLinkedIn #palliativecare #hospice #endoflifecare Tamar Klaiman, Ravi B. Parikh, Caleb Hearn, MPH, PMP, Amaya Diana, William Ferrell, Amol S Navathe 

In the News: Debunking Palliative Care Myths What Most People Get Wrong About Palliative Care: It Doesn't Mean Death It's common for many to mix up palliative care and hospice, which can lead to hesitation about engaging with palliative care at the crucial early stages. This confusion can also prevent people from planning a pathway that focuses on maintaining quality of life, even when undergoing intense curative treatments. We believe it's essential to understand the unique value of palliative care which allows people to live as well as possible for as long as possible. https://lnkd.in/gCexthw5

Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care: Clarifying the Differences Understanding the difference between palliative care and hospice care is crucial for healthcare professionals and patients alike. Palliative care, originally developed from hospice care, has evolved to serve a much broader patient population. It applies to anyone diagnosed with a serious illness from the moment of diagnosis, aiming to improve quality of life through an interdisciplinary approach. The evidence is clear: the earlier palliative care is integrated, the better the overall outcomes, including survival. On the other hand, hospice care is specifically designed for those in the final stages of life, typically the last three to six months. To receive hospice care, patients must forgo curative treatments and focus solely on comfort care. In summary, while hospice care supports patients nearing the end of life, palliative care supports them throughout their entire journey, from diagnosis onward, while still allowing for disease-directed treatments. I elaborate on this in the following video: https://buff.ly/3TnVz3o https://buff.ly/3TnVz3o #PalliativeCare #HospiceCare #EndOfLifeCare #QualityOfLife #SeriousIllness #OncologyCare #PatientSupport #HealthcareEducation

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, held every year on the second Saturday of October, is an opportunity for communities around the globe to unite and recognize the importance of compassionate end-of-life care. Palliative care focuses on easing pain and discomfort, reducing stress, and helping people have the highest quality of life possible. Hospice care focuses on quality of life when a cure is no longer possible, or the burdens of treatment outweigh the benefits. Palliative care is a type of medical care that helps relieve symptoms and stress associated with serious illnesses. It is designed to improve the quality of life for both the patient and their family. There are three main forms of palliative care: psychological, spiritual, and physical. The four levels of hospice defined by Medicare are routine home care, continuous home care, general inpatient care, and respite care. A hospice patient may experience all four or only one, depending on their needs and wishes. #nursingassistant, #CaregiverExperience, #ElderCare, #SpecialNeedsCare, #AustraliaCaregiverJobs, #OpenToWorkAustralia, #CaregiverVisaAustralia, #DisabilityCareAustralia, #SeekingCaregiverRoleAU, #agedcare, #goldcoastjobs, #individualsupport, #JoinRegis, #assistantinnursing

Understanding Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care Check out this helpful infographic to see the key differences between palliative care and hospice care. 🏥 🔹 Palliative Care: Focuses on pain and symptom management to improve quality of life at any stage of a serious illness, even during treatment. Services can be provided at home or in assisted living facilities. 🔹 Hospice Care: Provides comfort and support for terminal patients with a prognosis of 6 months or less, focusing on quality of life for both the patient and their family. Available at home, assisted living, or nursing home facilities. ✨ More questions? Give us a call! 425-357-1790 #PalliativeCare #HospiceCare #Healthcare #SupportAndComfort #QualityOfLife

Understanding Advance Directives in Hospice Care 📜 Navigating end-of-life decisions can be challenging, but Advance Directives can help ensure your wishes are respected and met. These legal documents specify preferences for medical treatment and care, particularly important in hospice situations. Why consider Advance Directive? ▪️Control: Retain control over your medical care, even if you become unable to communicate your wishes directly. ▪️Clarity: Provide clear instructions for your healthcare providers and loved ones, reducing uncertainty and stress during difficult times. ▪️Comfort: Ensure that your end-of-life care aligns with your values and desires, giving you and your family peace of mind. Whether you are considering hospice care for yourself or a loved one, taking the time to understand and prepare Advance Directive is a crucial step in planning for the future. For more information and resources on how to create Advance Directive, visit our website or contact our care team. We’re here to help guide you through every step of this important process. Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow. Visit faithofaz.com to learn more. . . . . . #AdvanceDirectives #HospiceCare #EndOfLifeDecisions #LegalDocuments #MedicalTreatment #FamilyPeaceOfMind #HealthcarePlanning #ComfortAndControl #FuturePlanning #FaithHospice