Generalist plus Specialist Palliative Care — Creating a More Sustainable Model

Generalist plus Specialist Palliative Care — Creating a More Sustainable Model

March 28, 2013 | Timothy E. Quill, M.D., and Amy P. Abernethy, M.D.
The article discusses the ethical and practical considerations in medical research, emphasizing the need to protect children from unnecessary risks. It highlights the importance of conducting safety studies in adult populations before considering pediatric testing. The authors advocate for a balanced approach that respects ethical obligations while advancing medical knowledge. They also emphasize the need for ongoing national dialogue to ensure the well-being of children in medical research. In another section, the authors explore the expansion of palliative care services in healthcare. They argue that while the demand for palliative care specialists is growing, the current model adds complexity and cost to an already expensive healthcare system. The authors propose a model that distinguishes between primary palliative care (skills all clinicians should have) and specialist palliative care (skills for managing complex cases). This model aims to improve access to specialty care, reinforce primary care, and enhance the overall quality of care. They suggest that all medical specialties should define basic palliative care skills and establish a triage system for when more complex cases require specialist consultation. The authors also highlight the importance of training all medical students and residents in basic palliative care skills and the need for coordinated care models to simplify the healthcare system and improve patient outcomes.The article discusses the ethical and practical considerations in medical research, emphasizing the need to protect children from unnecessary risks. It highlights the importance of conducting safety studies in adult populations before considering pediatric testing. The authors advocate for a balanced approach that respects ethical obligations while advancing medical knowledge. They also emphasize the need for ongoing national dialogue to ensure the well-being of children in medical research. In another section, the authors explore the expansion of palliative care services in healthcare. They argue that while the demand for palliative care specialists is growing, the current model adds complexity and cost to an already expensive healthcare system. The authors propose a model that distinguishes between primary palliative care (skills all clinicians should have) and specialist palliative care (skills for managing complex cases). This model aims to improve access to specialty care, reinforce primary care, and enhance the overall quality of care. They suggest that all medical specialties should define basic palliative care skills and establish a triage system for when more complex cases require specialist consultation. The authors also highlight the importance of training all medical students and residents in basic palliative care skills and the need for coordinated care models to simplify the healthcare system and improve patient outcomes.
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