Palliative Care
Palliative and Supportive Care provides specialized medical care for serious illnesses and diseases such as a cancer diagnosis .
In 2023 , the Pennington Cancer Institute underwent significant changes to its palliative care services , including reorganization , new leadership and the establishment of an integrated palliative care clinic within the existing oncology practice . This clinic is overseen by a physician with specialized training in palliative care . Medical , surgical and radiation oncologists can now refer patients to this clinic for support in managing symptoms , conducting discussions on goals of care and developing advanced care plans . Collaboration between oncology and palliative care teams ensures swift processing of referrals , with appointments often scheduled on the same or next day . The clinic facilitates seamless transitions of care from inpatient to outpatient settings , guaranteeing continuity in treatment plans .
Key highlights of these changes include :
• Restructuring of the inpatient palliative care team at Renown Regional , which is now comprised of a Physician with Fellowship Training in Palliative Care , Nurse Practitioners , a Social Worker and Chaplain Support .
• Leadership endorsement from Dr . Jonathan Theriot , the incumbent Hospice Medical Director , who now serves as Section Chief of Palliative Care .
• Continued success of home-based outpatient Palliative Care Services .
Palliative Care for patients was established in late July 2023 . Since that time :
109
New Patients Received Palliative Care Services
254
Total Palliative Care Visits
19-93
Patient Age Range
63
Average Patient Age
• Establishment of a new Integrated Palliative Care Clinic within the Pennington Cancer Institute , staffed by Dr . Aaron Dieringer , who holds fellowship training in Hospice and Palliative Care .
Hospice Care
When medical treatments no longer offer a cure , Renown Hospice Care provides a unique way to care for patients and families facing a life-limiting illness , regardless of their age or financial situation .
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