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Hospice and Palliative Care Approved As New Subspecialty

Hospice and palliative care medicine has been approved as a new subspecialty by the board of directors of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).  The council also plans to appoint an advisory committee to develop medical residency program requirements for the new subspecialty.

Hospice and palliative care will be a medical subspecialty in eleven medical practice areas, from internal medicine to otolaryngology.

The ACGME is an independent accrediting organization whose members include the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the Council of Medical Specialty Societies.

It is hoped that the first certification examination in the subspecialty of hospice and palliative medicine will be offered to the American Board of Medical Specialties in 2008, according to the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (ABHPM), which has been working to achieve recognition of the subspecialty since 1996. “The ABHPM has advocated strongly for the view that palliative care is best viewed from the perspective of generalist-level and specialist-level practices,” comments ABHPM chairman Russell K. Portenoy, MD, of Beth Israel Medical Center, New York City. 

“The need for this distinction, which parallels the approach to medical practice in other specialties, is apparent to anyone who understands the high level of knowledge and skill required to address the multiple domains of human experience within the purview of palliative care, particularly in the setting of advanced illness.” For more information visit www.acgme.org or www.abhpm.org.

Reprinted by permission from Quality of Life Matters® newsletter, copyright 2006. Published by Quality of Life Publishing Co., Naples, Fl.

For Referring Healthcare Professionals

Most of our referrals come from health care professionals who want to ensure a high quality of life for their terminally ill patients. Referring professionals rely on hospice care to provide services not only for their patients, but also for the entire family.

Ideally, professionals refer patients to hospice so that vital individual and family education, combined with physical and emotional support, can enhance the quality and comfort of a person's end-of-life.

Many referring physicians discuss hospice care options with patients early in their treatment prior to a hospice referral. Understanding the role of hospice is crucial for many families who otherwise might be unaware of this important community resource. Early discussions about hospice can provide patients with a sense of control over their care, alleviate fear of the future, and ease the transition when hospice becomes appropriate.

Referrals are easily made. Ask your family doctor or call Willamette Valley Hospice at 503.588.3600 or toll-free 800.555.2431 and ask to speak to hospice referral department about hospice care options; it is our specialty and we care!

Support - Working with our Staff

Most primary care physicians continue to work with their patients after the hospice referral is made. Willamette Valley Hospice often becomes a resource for these physicians, ensuring that their medical directives and instructions are understood by family caregivers. Because of hospice's involvement, physicians are assured that the complete needs of their patients will be met.

Willamette Valley Hospice's Medical Director is available to consult with referring physicians about their patients ' treatment and care.

Link to Oregon Health and Science University

Center for Ethics in Healthcare - Click here for resources for Healtcare Professionals about POLST