Preface

Abstract

Rich Lamkin, MPH, MPAS, PA-C, EditorView Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Advances in modern medicine have not only prolonged living but also prolonged dying. Recent progress in medical technology has converted critical illnesses into chronic illnesses. Over 2 million Americans die each year; however, less than 10% of the population will experience a sudden or rapid death. Many will be diagnosed and live with a chronic illness for a prolonged period of time before dying. The field of Hospice and Palliative Medicine has arisen out of a need to help these patients navigate the experience of living and dying with an advanced, chronic illness. This specialty of Hospice and Palliative Medicine is rapidly growing, with a projected shortage of fellowship-trained physicians, looking forward. Since 2011, the Accreditation Review Committee for PA Programs has ensured that all physician assistant (PA) programs cover palliative, hospice, and end-of-life topics as part of their curricula. With the Palliative Care and Hospice Education Training Act currently moving through the legislative process in our nation’s capital, which would bring greater focus and financial support for training for all health care providers (including PAs), the value of primary palliative care skills and knowledge cannot be underestimated. Palliative care uniquely integrates across disciplines and specialties. All providers should be able to provide primary palliative care to their patients. We are excited to present to you this groundbreaking publication of Physician Assistant Clinics dedicated to Hospice and Palliative Medicine. This is, to our knowledge, the first publication to cover primary palliative care skillsets created by expert PA authors for a generalist PA audience. Subjects that are included in this issue of Physician Assistant Clinics provide guidance on wide-ranging topics in the primary palliative care realm, including communication, assessing spiritual issues, as well as overviews of pain and symptom management. There is also a piece that covers how palliative and end-of-life care is often differently approached and delivered in the pediatric population. It is our hope that the content found in this issue of Physician Assistant Clinics will provide its readers with information they can use within their practice settings. Primary palliative care skills are essential to all clinicians in every specialty. Having basic knowledge and a set of “tools” will help all of us continue to provide quality, compassionate, evidence-based care for our patients throughout their lifespans.