End of Life

End of Life Initiatives

The collaborative sent a joint letter to President Barack Obama and Congressional leaders to support initiatives, including reimbursing physicians for talking with patients and their families about end-of-life issues, that the four societies believe would lead to more compassionate care for those who are dying. Among other recommendations, the CCSC encouraged the development of “incentives for clinicians, both in the inpatient and outpatient setting, to spend time talking with patients and their families and significant others about their values, treatment preferences, and goals of care at the end of life and document these discussions so they are available when needed.”  Continuing communication activities are ongoing with government agencies and legislators to promote better communication between healthcare providers, patients and their familes as they approach the end of life.