CAFSSI relaunches national palliative care seminar in Philadelphia this September

The recent meeting of the Palliative Care Advisory Council highlighted critical issues surrounding the care of individuals with serious illnesses in Connecticut. A key focus was the relaunch of the Center to Advance Palliative Care's national seminar, set to take place in Philadelphia this September. This event marks the first gathering since the pandemic, providing an essential platform for professionals in the field to exchange knowledge and support.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that approximately 13 million adults and 700 children are currently living with serious illnesses, which are defined as health conditions that carry a high risk of mortality. The discussion underscored the inadequacies of the current healthcare system in addressing the needs of these patients and their families. Poor communication between clinicians and patients often leads to misunderstandings about illness management and quality of life expectations. Additionally, unmanaged symptoms frequently result in unnecessary emergency department visits, placing further strain on caregivers who provide an estimated $600 billion in unpaid services annually.

The council also addressed the pressing need for proactive screening to identify untreated symptoms and caregiver burdens. Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is essential for developing tailored treatment plans that align with patients' goals. Support for family caregivers and reliable access to specialized palliative care teams were identified as crucial components of improving care.

Moreover, the council discussed ongoing efforts to understand disparities in care, particularly among Black and Hispanic patients. Research revealed significant gaps in the consideration of patient preferences and a concerning trend of emergency department visits among these populations in the final month of life, indicating a lack of anticipatory care planning.

The meeting concluded with a call to revisit the state-by-state report card on palliative care programs, which previously assessed the availability of such services in hospitals across the country. This initiative aims to enhance awareness and improve the quality of palliative care, ensuring that all patients receive the support they need during challenging times. As Connecticut continues to address these critical issues, the council's work remains vital in shaping a more compassionate and effective healthcare system for those facing serious illnesses.