by Ruth Mugalian, Public Communications Inc. Read the full article about defining palliative care in the Winter issue of The Quarterly. When I talk about my work with hospice and palliative medicine specialists and why I enjoy it, I usually say something like this: “They’re doctors who take care of very sick patients. They relieve … Read moreWhat Is Palliative Care?
How many times have you begun a conversation with a patient or family, only to discover their understanding of the situation is far different from what the referring physician has shared with you? All too often, it seems, judging from the large attendance at this informative, lively session that led attendees through the labyrinth of … Read moreAfter the Bad News… When Patients Hear Something Different than What Was Said
We spend a lot of time speaking of physician, nursing, social work, pharmacist expertise in palliative care. We often see and support formal training for volunteers. (www.volunteertrainingonline.com/hospice; www.hospicevolunteertraining.webs.com) We teach the importance of culturally competent care and use of interpreter services to enhance communication with patients and families of other cultures and with limited English. … Read moreQuality and competency: Invisible members of the palliative care team, the Medical Interpreter