Extending the Depth and Breadth of Physiatry Care: Five Strategies for Residents to Develop a Foundation in Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Abstract

Hospice and palliative medicine is one of seven accredited fellowship subspecialties available to graduates of physical medicine and rehabilitation residency programs. Hospice and palliative medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation share many of the same principles and practices, and physical medicine and rehabilitation residency training can be excellent preparation for hospice and palliative medicine fellowship. However, unlike the other six physical medicine and rehabilitation subspecialties, there is currently no requirement for hospice and palliative medicine training during physical medicine and rehabilitation residency. As a result, physical medicine and rehabilitation residents may encounter limited hospice and palliative medicine exposure or education, and lack explicit opportunities to develop the basic set of palliative care symptom management and communication tools that can be applied across the spectrum of physiatry care. Here, we provide five strategies that residents can use within their own programs to develop knowledge and experience in hospice and palliative medicine.