NHPCO NewsLine Spring 2022 - 12

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The following questions will help hospice staff members assess their
organization's ability to transform the end-of-life care experiences of their
patients and families:
▌ What are your organization's
systemic barriers to transforming
patient and family experiences?
▌ Are care delivery models flexible
enough to meet the unique needs of
each patient and family?
▌ How does the voice of the patient
and family drive interdisciplinary
discussions?
▌ Do IDT collaborative discussions
begin with the story of the patient
and family, including what is most
important to them at this time?
▌ Is the care planning process truly
directed by the goals, values, and
wishes of patients and families?
▌ Are all disciplines encouraged to
participate in team care discussions?
▌ Is every member of the IDT
competent in recognizing all
dimensions of patient and family
experiences?
We must respond by developing new, evolving models that not
only address the disease but also address all dimensions to
truly create transforming experiences.
▌ Is staff empowered to take risks
that support patient and family
goals?
▌ Are community members asked on a
regular basis what end-of-life
services they want and need?
▌ Are programs and services provided,
based on current reimbursement
mechanisms or the needs of all
members of our communities?
▌ What drives organizational
decisions-the needs and experiences
of patients and families, or
regulations, reimbursement, and
liability issues?
The future of end-of-life service
delivery is being written every day by
hospice and palliative care providers.
All end-of-life care models must
honor the patient's and family's
unique experiences and be ready to
simultaneously address all
dimensions. We must respond by
developing new, evolving models that
not only address the disease but also
address all dimensions to truly create
transforming experiences.
We only have one chance to support
patients through a transforming
experience at the end-of-life. The
price of failure is not acceptable.
Mary Labyak, MSSW, LCSW, was well known as a pioneering leader throughout
the hospice and palliative care community. She was president and CEO of
Suncoast Hospice in Pinellas County, Florida, nearly from the time it was
founded until her death in 2012. Known nationally and internationally as a
visionary in hospice and palliative care, Labyak was one of the social architects
credited for shaping compassionate end-of-life care in the United States. In
2011, the National Hospice Foundation presented Labyak with the Healthcare
Architect Award in recognition of her leadership. She had served as chair of the
NHF Board and was a longtime member of the National Hospice and Palliative
Care Organization where she served as chair and leader of many NHPCO
committees.
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Newsline / Spring 2022
NHPCO NewsLine Spring 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NHPCO NewsLine Spring 2022
