Access to palliative care in U.S. hospitals has more than doubled since 2000, but continues to vary widely by state and hospital type, according to a report released Oct. 5 by the Center to Advance Palliative Care and National Palliative Care Research Center. The report grades access to hospital palliative care programs by state, giving the nation an overall grade of B, up from a C in 2008.
As of 2009, 63% of hospitals with 50 or more beds reported a palliative care team. Hospitals with 300 or more beds were more likely to report a palliative care team (85%), while public hospitals (54%), for-profit hospitals (26%) and sole community provider hospitals (37%) were less likely. Seven states and the District of Columbia received an A, meaning more than 80% of hospitals reported a palliative care program.
Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness and can be provided with curative treatment.
“America's hospitals have a strong history of caring for patients and families during the most difficult of times," said American Hospital Association President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock. "Hospitals and other health care organizations are taking the lead in ensuring health care is patient-centered, reflecting patient's desires including palliative care assistance."
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