Improving Care for the End of Life

"This compilation of insights, advice, pointers, tools, and resources relies heavily on the stories of the four dozen teams who shared in a year-long collaboration to learn how to improve care at the end of life. Sponsored by the Center to Improve Care of the Dying and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, this "Breakthrough Series Collaborative" brought together teams from the nation's leading hospitals, hospices, and health care organizations. Each tackled a series of problems that were plaguing their patients. Led by Joanne Lynn and Andrea Kabcenell, the Breakthrough Series teams made changes in four critical areas: controlling pain and other symptoms; improving advance care planning; helping and comforting patients and families; and developing continuity of care. Nearly all made substantial improvements, and stories of successful changes highlight every chapter." "Concerned clinicians and others will find here an effective approach to improving symptom management and other areas of care, while those interested in reform will discover ways to promote and implement it. The book provides specific information on all major causes of death and describes opportunities for improving the quality of life for those affected by them."--Jacket.