In this issue...
NEWS
1. Catholic Healthcare West Joins Coalition
2. Bon Secours Health System to Join Coalition in January
3. Coalition Board Member Recognized as One in 100
4. Spirituality Initiative Focus of Supportive Voice Special Edition
5. Press Ganey Patient Care Survey Link and Other Tools
6. ELNEC Critical Care Training is Excellent! Future Offerings & Geriatric Care Slated
7. EPEC Oncology Module on Medscape Well Utilized
8. Palliative Care Partnership Taps Expertise of Former Executive Director
9. Farewell and Welcome!
OPPORTUNITIES
10. Call for Abstracts for Palliative Medicine 2007: 11th Annual International Symposium
11. Call for Proposals for Palliative Care Initiative to Assist Medical Schools
RESOURCES
12. Journal Supplement Devoted to End-of-Life Care in Critical Care
13. Name Change for Cancer Pain Group
14. American Pain Foundation Guide Available
15. Study of Caregivers in Decline Now Available
16. Internet-Based Scheduling Calendar Serves Patients and Volunteers
READINGS
17. Freedom at the End of Life: Voluntary Death vs. Human Flourishing
18. Medicine and Care of the Dying: A Modern History
19. States Show Progress in Improving Pain Policy
20. Results of the 2006 Idaho Statewide End-of-Life Survey
CONFERENCES
21. Being a Compassionate Companion: Caring for the Dying
22. Open Forum with the Palliative Care Leadership Centers
23. Grant-funded Critical Care Training Course
24. Nurse in Washington Internship Conference
25. Improving the Delivery of Palliative Care for Older People
26. American Society for Pain Management Nursing
27. American Pain Society 26th Annual Scientific Meeting
28. 2007 Joint Annual Meeting of World Conference
29. 6th Annual Kaleidoscope Palliative Care Conference
30. 18th Annual Meeting of the American Alliance of Cancer Pain Initiatives
31. Strengthening Your Palliative Care Program: A Level II Seminar
32. Pain Management for Primary Care Physicians
33. Geriatric Train-the-Trainer Course
34. 4th World Congress: World Institute of Pain
35. Pediatric Pain Conferences
NEWS
1. Catholic Healthcare West Joins Coalition
Catholic Healthcare West (CHW) has joined the Supportive Care Coalition. Representing CHW on the Coalition board of directors is Mary Carol Todd, MSN, RN, CMAC, corporate vice president for Medical Management and Palliative Care. “We are delighted to join the Supportive Care Coalition and from my first meeting can see how CHW can benefit from membership; the educational programs, advocacy efforts and ability to learn best practices from other hospitals and systems should accelerate our efforts to improve palliative care,” says Ms. Todd.
Headquartered in San Francisco, Catholic Healthcare West is the eighth largest hospital system in the nation and the largest not-for-profit hospital provider in California. Facilities include 41 hospitals and medical centers in California, Arizona and Nevada.
2. Bon Secours Health System to Join Coalition in January
By unanimous decision, the Coalition board approved Bon Secours Health System into membership at the November board meeting in Bellevue, Washington. Representing Bon Secours on the Coalition board will be Maria Gatto, MA, APRN, along with current director Pat Franco, who has served as the Bon Secours, Richmond representative since the facility joined the coalition in 2005. "I believe that our decision to join the Supportive Care Coalition is a system - wide message of commitment and dedication with this established strong network of Palliative Care Catholic Health Care Leaders. It will facilitate established high quality standards with ongoing involvement toward the improvement and growth toward a truly comprehensive, integrative, holistic, palliative and end-of-life care approach, while also communicating a universal message transcending all cultures and religions for the greater good of mankind. We want to support this universal message of God's love and compassionate caring which supports healing on all levels when there is no cure. We are confident that our work with the Coalition will support our clinical quality initiative to provide optimal quality of life, relief of suffering, and the healing of the mind-body-spirit that supports palliative and end-of-life care across the continuum".
Bon Secours includes 20 acute-care hospitals, one psychiatric hospital, six nursing care facilities, numerous ambulatory sites, six assisted living facilities, and home health and hospice services. System offices are located in Marriottsville, Maryland.
3. Coalition Board Member Recognized as One in 100
Coalition board member Karolyn Maughan, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, has been named one of the Great 100 Louisiana Nurses for her contributions to both the community and the nursing profession. Ms. Maughan, who draws on her 39 years of nursing service, is the medical center’s clinical manager of 5 Central Oncology Unit and Outpatient Infusion. She and other nominees were honored in October at an event sponsored by the The Great 100 Nurses Foundation at Louisiana State University. Karolyn has served as a member of the Coalition board since 2004.
4. Spirituality Initiative Focus of Supportive Voice Special Edition
The Coalition’s Spirituality Initiative is the focus of the fall edition of Supportive Voice, due out mid-December. In this issue readers will learn the background, rationale, purpose and goals of the initiative; the sites involved and their methods and evaluations; anticipated outcomes, baseline results, final results, and recommendations for the next steps. To receive a copy, if you are not already on the publication’s mailing list, please email peggy.Berwick@providence.org
5. Press Ganey Patient Care Survey Link and Other Tools
Due to substantial interest in the new Press Ganey Patient Care Survey for bereaved family members, the Center to Advance Palliative Care offers this direct link to this tool, http://www.capc.org/tools-for-palliative-care-programs/clinical-tools/patient-family-satisfaction-bereavement. In addition to this tool, CAPC provides a comprehensive set of financial, clinical, quality and marketing tools to help you start, strengthen and make the case for your palliative care program. To learn more and access the full collection of CAPC tools, visit www.capc.org/tools-for-palliative-care-programs.
6. ELNEC Critical Care Training is Excellent! Future Offerings & Geriatric Care Slated
Karin Dufault, Coalition executive director, attended the first critical care-specific course offered in November by the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium. ‘It was extremely useful and worthwhile,” she says. The course debuted with 70 participants representing 17 states, including staff from Coalition member system Catholic Health Initiatives. Future funding from the Archstone Foundation will provide an additional grant-funded course specifically for California RN's January 17-19, 2007, and a third course will be offered in Washington, DC in April 2007. Additionally, ELNEC will debut a geriatric training for nurses working in long-term care, skilled nursing and hospices that serve long-term care on February 1-2, 2007 (for California RN's only), and on September 12-14, 2007. For more information, please visit http://www.aacn.nche.edu/elnec/index.htm
7. EPEC Oncology Module on Medscape Well Utilized
In early September, Medscape’s online educational training program for physicians loaded the EPEC-Oncology Module, “Last Hours of Living: Practical Advice for Physicians.” This module earned the merit of the “most accessed and used” module on Medscape. That translates into 270,865 total pages viewed (clicks to any page of the activity), 7,288 individual readers and 14,526 CME credits earned. To view the module, http://www.medscape.com/viewprogram/5808
8. Palliative Care Partnership Taps Expertise of Former Executive Director
St. John Health and Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life (ICEOL) have launched a three-year collaborative project to improve access to and quality of palliative care for patients cared for by St. John Health. A key component of the project is providing access to nationally recognized leaders in end-of-life care, including Sylvia McSkimming, PhD, consultant and former executive director of the Supportive Care Coalition. St. John Health, a member of Ascension Health, is comprised of nine hospitals and more than 125 medical facilities in southeast Michigan.
9. Farewell and Welcome!
A fond farewell to former Coalition Program Coordinator Carol Lieberman, who retired in November following nine years of service. Her commitment, enthusiasm and capability “above and beyond” were instrumental in moving the Coalition forward. Thank you, Carol!
A warm welcome to the new Program Coordinator Elna Stockton, who comes to the Coalition with over 35 years experience in various executive assistant and program coordinator roles, 11 of which have been within large healthcare systems, most recently Providence Health & Services. As a hospice volunteer for many years, Elna holds a passionate and personal interest in end-of-life care in its varied dimensions, and is keen to see what has been cultivated in the "hospice model" more fully incorporated into larger spheres of spiritual and palliative care. "I am thrilled to be on board in the work of the Coalition,” she says.
OPPORTUNITIES
10. Call for Abstracts for Palliative Medicine 2007: 11th Annual International Symposium
Abstracts accepted through January 12, 2007
To request information about submitting a proposal, www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/pm2007
11. Call for Proposals for Palliative Care Initiative to Assist Medical Schools
Applications accepted through February 1, 2007
The Medical College of Wisconsin's End of Life/Palliative Education Resource Center (EPERC) is now accepting proposals for its initiative to assist U.S. medical schools in improving palliative care education. This project to strengthen palliative care education is being funded by a two-year grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Goals are to develop a self-sustaining, required and elective palliative care didactic and experiential training opportunity for 3rd and 4th year medical students, and to establish a faculty development palliative care program for existing and new faculty. Six medical schools will be selected through a competitive application process. For details, please go to http://www.eperc.mcw.edu/MS-PCE/CallforProposals.htm
RESOURCES
12. Journal Supplement Devoted to End-of-Life Care in Critical Care
Critical Care Medicine’s quarterly supplement has 20 articles evaluating end-of-life issues, including palliative care in the ICU, attitudes toward withholding and withdrawing life support, ethical and legal issues, quality indicators, communications between physicians and nurses, interventions for children at the end of life, and promising future directions. To obtain a copy of the table of contents or the supplement, www.ccmjournal.org, or contact Thomas Joseph at 847-827-7282.
13. Name Change for Cancer Pain Group
The American Alliance of Cancer Pain Initiatives has changed its name to the Alliance of State Pain Initiatives, and the new Web site is www.aspi.wisc.edu.
14. American Pain Foundation Guide Available
“Treatment Options: A Guide for People Living With Pain” is a new resource from The American Pain Foundation. The guide “provides credible, comprehensive information about medications, psychosocial interventions, complementary approaches, rehabilitation therapies, surgical interventions and much more.” For a PDF copy, visit www.painfoundation.org
15. Study of Caregivers in Decline Now Available
”A Close-up Look at the Health Risks of Caring for a Loved One,” a comprehensive study that examines the health impact on caregivers who are caring for loved ones, is available for download at http://www.caregiving.org/. A collaboration of The National Alliance for Caregiving, and Evercare®, this comprehensive study found that pervasive worrying and sleep deprivation led caregivers to neglect their own health.
16. Internet-Based Scheduling Calendar Serves Patients and Volunteers
A free Web-based scheduling calendar service for friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to assist loved ones in need is now available through a joint effort of Project Compassion and Lotsa Helping Hands. The internet-based, private calendar can be designed to coordinate specific task needs of a patient and family, such as meal coordination and delivery; transportation to and from medical appointments and commitments; as well as other tasks necessary to help life run more smoothly during an illness or crisis. Participating volunteers simply log on and sign up where they can help, http://www.project-compassion.lotsahelpinghands.com.
READINGS
17. Freedom at the End of Life: Voluntary Death vs. Human Flourishing
This National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly article examines the role of nurses who support patients and their families in thinking through difficult ethical questions when considering end-of-life treatment and care options. Written by Christopher M. Saliga, OP, RN, Volume 6, Number 2, Summer 2006, http://ncbcenter.metapress.com/(y4vvt2454eyu5p45va2mhz45)/app/home/contribution.asp?referrer=parent&backto=issue,5,10;journal,2,23;homemainpublications,1,2.
18. Medicine and Care of the Dying: A Modern History
This new book examines how approaches to dying have changed in recent years, reflecting the growth in palliative medicine as a new medical specialty. Released October 16, 2006.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/0195175484/ref=nosim/growthhouseinc
19. States Show Progress in Improving Pain Policy
The quality of state pain policies received good marks in reports released by the Pain and Policy Studies Group at the University of Wisconsin. The expanded and updated edition of Achieving Balance in State Pain Policy: A Guide to Evaluation, and Progress Report Card shows that 41 states and the District of Columbia have above average grades for their public policies that influence the management of pain. This report is good news to the American Alliance of Cancer Pain Initiatives and its network of state pain initiatives that have long worked toward ensuring that government policies do not hinder a person’s ability to get the care they need. To view the reports, www.painpolicy.wisc.edu.
20. Results of the 2006 Idaho Statewide End-of-Life Survey
A survey by Idaho’s Center for the Study of Aging at Boise State University has found that 63% of respondents “consider living with great pain to be worse than death.” The study is the result of collaboration between A Better Way Coalition and the college’s Center for the Study of Aging. To view the survey, http://aging.boisestate.edu/ Source: Hospice News Network October 10, 2006
CONFERENCES
21. Being a Compassionate Companion: Caring for the Dying
December 1-3, 2006 / New York City, NY
Sponsored by New York Open Center
Frank Ostaseski, one of the Founders of the Zen Hospice Project and creator of the Alaya Institute, will present a mindful and compassionate approach to addressing the practical, emotional, and spiritual issues that are inherent in the unique relationship of caring for the dying. Traditional Buddhist mindfulness practices and exercises designed to explore impermanence and grief will be explored. The workshop will assist participants in developing the skillful means necessary to accompany those facing death with openness and love.
For additional information or to register, 212-219-2527 x 2.
22. Open Forum with the Palliative Care Leadership Centers
Free Audio Conference
December 7, 2006 / 1:30 - 2:15 PM Eastern 10:30 - 11:15 AM Pacific
Sponsored by the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC)
Learn about Palliative Care Leadership Centers training with CAPC director Dr. Diane Meier and faculty of the Palliative Care Leadership Centers during this short presentation and opportunity for Q & A. Information will include ways to move your palliative care program to the next level, how to Increase early referrals, the eight essential elements of palliative care program development, how to build the business case for CFOs and other key stakeholders and more. To register and for more information on the panel, http://www.capc.org/support-from-capc/audio-conf/12-07-06
23. Grant-funded Critical Care Training Course
January 17-19, 2007 (California RN’s only)
Sponsored by End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium
This critical care-specific training course will include these eight modules; Critical Care Nursing at the End of Life, Pain Management, Symptom Management, Communication, Ethical/Legal Issues; Loss, Grief and Bereavement; Achieving Quality Care at the End of Life, and Preparation and Care at the End of Life. For more information, please visit http://www.aacn.nche.edu/elnec/index.htm
24. Nurse in Washington Internship Conference
March 11-14, 2007 / Washington, DC
Sponsored by The Alliance - Nursing Organizations Alliance
The Nurse in Washington Internship Program offers nurses the opportunity to learn how to influence health care through the legislative and regulatory processes. Participants learn from health policy experts and government officials, network with other nurses, and visit members of Congress. The internship is open to any RN or nursing student who is interested in learning more about the legislative process. http://www.nursing-alliance.org/niwi.cfm
25. Improving the Delivery of Palliative Care for Older People
March 15-16, 2007 / Sydney, Australia
Sponsored by Change Champions
This is a practical toolkit seminar that aims to share information about client/patient focused systems, strategies, and policies that have improved access to and the delivery of palliative care for older people in various settings - acute, community, residential, primary and home care; and to showcase models of service delivery and care with demonstrated outcomes. www.changechampions.com.au
26. American Society for Pain Management Nursing
2007 National Conference
March 24-27, 2007 / Addison, TX
Save the date! More details to come. http://www.aspmn.org
27. American Pain Society 26th Annual Scientific Meeting
May 2-5, 2007 / Washington, DC
This program will offer current information about the diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute pain, chronic cancer and noncancer pain, and recurrent pain. A full-day Pediatric Pain Forum will precede the scientific meeting and will feature lectures and interactive break-out sessions. This program is designed for professionals at various levels of experience.http://www.ampainsoc.org
28. 2007 Joint Annual Meeting of World Conference on International Oncology and
Society for Thermal Medicine
May 14-18, 2007 / Washington, DC
Currently in the development stages, please check the Web site for program updates, highlights and registration, www.cancerinnovations.org
29. 6th Annual Kaleidoscope Palliative Care Conference
May 30-31, 2007 / Dublin, Ireland
Sponsored by St. Francis Hospice
The theme this year is ”Life Lessons: Insights into Grief and Loss in Palliative Care.” Featured speakers include Drs. Peter Kaye, Ken Doka, Todd Cote and Matthew Farrelly; and Nancee Sobonya and The Gifts of Grief documentary. www.stfrancishospice.ie/education/kaleidoscope.htm
30. 18th Annual Meeting of the American Alliance of Cancer Pain Initiatives
June 21-23, 2007 / Boston, MA
Sponsored by Alliance of State Pain Initiatives
Save the date! Keynote speaker is Ira R. Byock, MD, director of the Palliative Care Program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, http://www.aspi.wisc.edu/
31. Strengthening Your Palliative Care Program: A Level II Seminar for Growth & Sustainability
June 21-23, 2007 / Orlando, FL
Sponsored by Center to Advance Palliative Care
Learn ways to manage the challenges of growth. Whether your program has been up and running for a day or for years, the CAPC Level II Seminar will help you meet the challenges of growth and make the leap to long-term success. This highly interactive format and personalized training includes “office hours” for one-on-one mentoring with expert faculty, small group sessions to tackle real-world challenges, and “lab time” to work on individual plans for your program. www.capc.org
32. Pain Management for Primary Care Physicians
July 23-26, 2007 / Sea Pines, South Carolina
Sponsored by University of South Carolina, Beaufort, and Palmetto Health Richland
This program will feature presentations on topics addressing pain management principles and techniques, and the clinical treatment and management of the patient with pain syndromes.
www.seapinescme.com/index.htm
33. Geriatric Train-the-Trainer Course
September 12-14, 2007
Sponsored by End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium
The course goals are to define essential content for highest quality end-of-life geriatric care, explore creative teaching/learning strategies for use in end-of-life care education, describe strategies for overcoming barriers to integration of end-of-life care education within long-term
care settings and skilled nursing facilities, and provide tools for geriatric nursing educators to facilitate end-of-life care nursing education. Registration for this course will be available after January 15, 2007. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/elnec/index.htm
34. 4th World Congress: World Institute of Pain
September 25-28, 2007 / Budapest, Hungary
Sponsored by World Institute of Pain
The World Institute of Pain was founded in 1994 as an organization to better educate the pain physicians for the 21st century. This year’s congress theme is better education, better relief. http://kenes.com/wip
35. Pediatric Palliative Care Conference
October 4-6, 2007 / Akron, Ohio
Sponsored by Ohio Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Save the date for "Leaders, Learners and Families Hand-in-Hand: Building Pediatric Palliative Care Best Practice,” http://www.ohpco.org/