NHPCO NewsLine Spring 2022 - 7

THE
EXPERIENCE
MODEL
No one would argue that each patient, family and
community member who seeks services from a hospice or
palliative care provider deserves the best we can offer
them. People who need our support are often in the midst
of a heart-wrenching journey for which they have received
no preparation or guidance. As end-of-life providers we
usually have only one opportunity to ensure that the
experiences of these patients and families meet their
unique needs.
Palliative care providers are also challenged to meet the
growing expectations of people familiar with our services.
Twenty years ago patients and families were happy simply
to have someone to call, and to receive basic pain and
symptom management, and acknowledgement of their
grief. Today's consumers know the incredible support and
services that palliative care teams provide and frequently
express a desire for " that medicine my neighbor had. "
Successful current and future models of hospice and
palliative care will honor what we have learned from those
we have served. When staff and volunteers at all levels of
the organization focus on the experiences of patients,
families and community members, we foster an
By Mary J. Labyak, MSSW, LCSW
This year, 2022, marks the 40th anniversary of the passage of the legislation that created the
Medicare hospice benefit. As the provider community reflects on all that has been accomplished in
the past 40 years, attention turns to the promise of what lies ahead in the next 40 years.
Discussions of innovation always return to what is most important, those receiving care. As we look
towards the future, NHPCO shares an article by one of the nation's most innovative leaders, Mary
Labyak. Ten years after her death, the lessons she shares still hold true. In fact, this article, " The
Experience Model, " is among the training materials included in NHPCO's Hospice Manager
Development Program Foundational Course.
organizational culture in which our services are based on
the unique values, end-of-life goals and wishes of each
person we serve.
As reflected in The Quest to Die with Dignity: An Analysis
of Americans' Values, Opinions and Attitudes Concerning
End-of-life Care, people tend to see the last phase of life
as one of awaiting death, with the hope for some measure
of comfort while not being a burden to others. These
perceptions about the end of life can be transformed into
a more meaningful journey through quality palliative care
that honors each individual's values and goals.
Successful current and future models of
hospice and palliative care will honor what
we have learned from those we have served.
Newsline / Spring 2022
7

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjC0LatyNz1AhVirHIEHXXGDLIQFnoECAUQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmasshealthdecisions.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F10%2FQuest-to-Die-With-Dignity-Exec-Summary-1997.doc&usg=AOvVaw2dBfVYDBHEDY1Mv__XVMWZ https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjC0LatyNz1AhVirHIEHXXGDLIQFnoECAUQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmasshealthdecisions.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F10%2FQuest-to-Die-With-Dignity-Exec-Summary-1997.doc&usg=AOvVaw2dBfVYDBHEDY1Mv__XVMWZ https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjC0LatyNz1AhVirHIEHXXGDLIQFnoECAUQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmasshealthdecisions.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F10%2FQuest-to-Die-With-Dignity-Exec-Summary-1997.doc&usg=AOvVaw2dBfVYDBHEDY1Mv__XVMWZ

NHPCO NewsLine Spring 2022

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