Chirag Patel, MD, FAAHPM, and Mark Curtis, RN, PMHCNS-BC, ACHPN, LMT, of Innovative Care Solutions, and Christy Michaels, MSW, LISWS, ACHPSW, of Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare were appointed to Ohio’s first Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Council. 

This council is part of a new law in Ohio that requires healthcare organizations to develop systems to identify patients or residents who need palliative care and inform them about their options. It is comprised of 20 members who have demonstrated expertise in palliative care, have worked with various age groups and delivery models, and are concerned with the delivery of palliative care in Ohio. 

“We’re honored to see our teammates recognized and appointed to serve in such important roles on this state-wide council,” said Kent Anderson, president and CEO of Ohio’s Hospice. “As part of the council, their role will include creating recommendations for best practices in all healthcare facility types to identify Ohioans who will benefit from palliative care consultations and services. Through their leadership, they will help develop and implement a plan to educate the public about the benefits of palliative care.”

Palliative care is specialized healthcare for an individual living with a chronic, serious or life-limiting illness. It focuses on treating the physical and emotional symptoms of illness, such as pain, shortness of breath, anxiety and depression. It is provided by a team of specially-trained healthcare professionals. Palliative care aims to address the patient’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs; and facilitate patient autonomy, access to information and medical decision making. The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for both the individual and his or her family.

“We want to ensure that Ohioans not only have access to palliative care, but more importantly, receive education and access to quality models and best practices in palliative care,” said Jackie Matthews, RN, MS, CNS, AOCN, ACHPN, vice president of Pure Healthcare and Innovative Care Solutions. “The goal is to integrate palliative care into Ohio’s healthcare systems and enhance the use and development of palliative care throughout Ohio.”