Adviser LeadingAge New York Winter 2014 Winter 2014 | Page 25

eligibility and discussions about the benefits of hospice. A key distinction of this innovative model of care is that the specialist level palliative care experts develop a multi-organizational, palliative care committee that is composed of clinical leaders from the hospitals (MCO), the skilled facility and the hospice and palliative care organization. This approach builds ownership by all parties and the model is embraced and supported by all. Cultivating a multi-organizational palliative care committee helps improve and expand limited palliative care resources and expertise, which results in the adoption of palliative care practices more readily. There are many ways to accomplish this goal, and each facility can tailor efforts based on its own needs and resources An evaluation after the first year demonstrated key positive patient, facility, MCO, quality and financial outcomes. The MJHS early intervention palliative care program provides an infrastructure of specialist level support and expertise to a large urban medical center, managed care organization and the skilled nursing facilities. The MJHS Early Intervention Palliative Care service in the skilled nursing facilities where it was implemented, improved care coordination and resulted in decreased re-hospitalizations and increased resident/family and staff satisfaction. It has significantly has improved access to hospice benefits by involving clinicians who have the ability to assess hospice eligibility accurately and engage in the “difficult” conversations with the resident, family and surrounding health care team in facilities. As health care continues to transition away from hospitals and back into our communities and skilled nursing facilities, the early intervention palliative care program is a model of care that will offer positive alternatives to acute hospitalizations for the frail and sickest of our population. If you want to learn more about specialist palliative care, contact: Russell K. Portenoy MD, MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care, 39 Broadway, 12th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10006, Phone: [phone], [email protected] leadingageny.org 24