ABSTRACT
Palliative care (PC) is a health care specialty that is focused on the holistic care of individuals with serious illness. It requires interprofessional collaboration and expertise to meet the physical, psychosocial, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of patients experiencing serious illness and their families. The interprofessional team (IPT) is most often composed of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) [including Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), and Physician Associates/Assistants (PAs)], Chaplains, Registered Nurses (RNs), Doctors of Medicine and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (MDs/ DOs), Registered Pharmacists (RPhs), Social Workers (SWs) and other professions depending on site of care, the age of the patient, and the illness. The United States has specialty palliative care (SPC) IPT members who have completed advanced education and training and obtained specialty certification. However, there is currently no interprofessional consensus education and training resulting in interprofessional variability of definitions of education and requirements for academic preparation into the specialty. This article offers the results of an online review and survey of the current availability of SPC education in the United States which includes certificate programs, residencies, fellowships, and immersion programs available to each profession. The purpose of this review is to unify the available information regarding SPC programs, providing a succinct, yet thorough, overview of the SPC educational landscape. It emphasizes the length of time, cost, and delivery method for IPT members in choosing programs.
ABSTRACT
The Hospice and Palliative Nursing Association established the triannual research agenda to ( a ) provide focus for researchers to conduct meaningful scientific and quality improvement initiatives and inform evidence-based practice, ( b ) guide organizational funding, and ( c ) illustrate to other stakeholders the importance of nursing research foci. HPNA Research Agendas are developed to give direction for future research to continue advancing expert care in serious illness and ensure equitable delivery of hospice and palliative care.
Subject(s)
Hospice Care , Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing , Hospices , Nurses , Humans , Palliative CareABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Africa continues to be disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Poor access to medical care, limited access to antiretroviral drugs, and lack of supportive care for persons who are symptomatic lead to disease progression. Community-based palliative care services are effective in providing supportive services throughout the course of the illness, but palliative care services are limited in Africa. This article presents a theoretical approach to developing community-based palliative care services to bridge this gap.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Palliative Care , Africa , Community Health Services , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HumansABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Healthcare services can be difficult to access, particularly for low-income or underinsured women. One way of overcoming the barriers to quality, patient-centered care is through the use of the Medical Home Model (MHM). The MHM is a cost-effective approach to care that improves patient outcomes and improves access. AIM: The purpose of this article is to discuss barriers to healthcare, with an emphasis on reducing healthcare disparities for women. METHOD: Extant, contemporary literature has been reviewed and synthesized to develop this theoretical paper on the benefits of using the MHM to reduce disparities in the provision of healthcare for women. CONCLUSIONS: The MHM provides an example of how healthcare can be provided in a more coordinated and effective manner. Extension of this model into the area of women's health may be one way to reduce barriers to quality, accessible care for women.
Subject(s)
Health Services Accessibility , Health Services Needs and Demand , Healthcare Disparities , Maternal Health Services/organization & administration , Patient-Centered Care/organization & administration , Women's Health , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Pregnancy , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
The purpose of this focus group study was to explore graduate students' clinical experiences with vulnerable populations, perceived barriers to care, and ethical issues related to caring for disenfranchised groups. Furthermore, based on their experiences, the students were asked to share suggestions for curricular changes that could enhance care for vulnerable populations through interdisciplinary collaboration and multidisciplinary projects. The responses of the participants add to what is known about the care of vulnerable populations, offering a first-hand description of students' preparation for work with vulnerable populations and the interdisciplinary team.
Subject(s)
Education, Graduate , Patient Care Team/organization & administration , Students, Health Occupations/psychology , Vulnerable Populations , Adult , Curriculum , Education, Graduate/organization & administration , Education, Nursing, Graduate/organization & administration , Female , Focus Groups , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Students, Health Occupations/statistics & numerical data , Students, Nursing/psychology , Students, Nursing/statistics & numerical data , Young AdultABSTRACT
Despite burgeoning evidence on the positive effects of perinatal loss support groups, some communities still lack such services. Those wishing to begin a support group may find the task daunting, especially if there is little support for their efforts. In this article, the authors discuss the development of a pregnancy loss support group, which included a community assessment, launching a pilot program, and providing training for facilitators. Other practical considerations will also be reviewed, such as finding a location for the group and securing funding for advertising.
ABSTRACT
Advanced practice nursing students provide care for clients and families in numerous settings where they will encounter end-of-life issues. Thus, graduate nursing education should include information on current trends in thanatology, such as the debate over the proposed complicated grief criteria and the paradigmatic shift toward evidence-based grief theory. In this article, an innovative approach to teaching bereavement content to graduate nursing students during a 3-hour class is presented. The assignments were developed specifically for adult learners with clinical experience. Students' responses to the learning activities and recommendations for modifications of the teaching methods are presented.
Subject(s)
Advanced Practice Nursing/education , Bereavement , Education, Nursing, Graduate/methods , Thanatology , Adult , Humans , United StatesABSTRACT
Expectant parents who have experienced previous perinatal loss have special concerns, which can be partially addressed by modifying prepared childbirth education courses. This article presents a review of current literature, highlighting the unique needs of expectant parents who have experienced previous pregnancy loss. Modifications to traditional childbirth education courses are suggested, which include addressing parents' grief, managing anxiety, and facilitating communication with health-care providers and others.
