Journal of palliative medicine
-
To determine what questions family caregivers want to discuss with health care providers (HCPs) in order to prepare for the death of a loved one. ⋯ Family caregivers of patients with terminal illness need more than prognostic information in order to prepare for the death. HCPs should be aware that caregivers may not ask important questions and that unanswered questions may contribute to caregiver distress. Awareness of caregivers' questions can help HCPs improve the care provided to caregivers by better preparing them for the death of their loved one.
-
The field of hospice and palliative medicine has grown to include more than 50 fellowship training programs. In 2007 hospice and palliative medicine received American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) recognition as a subspecialty of medicine. Palliative medicine fellowships will begin formal accreditation under the American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in 2008. ⋯ Through carefully designed collaborative partnerships with community organizations three draft ACGME requirements for accreditation were met. It is anticipated that the program will receive full accreditation through the ACGME in 2008.