University of Connecticut Health (UConn) John Dempsey Hospital is significantly enhancing its palliative care initiative by establishing a comprehensive new outpatient clinic aimed at improving patient access to essential care services.
The UConn health system made its initial foray into outpatient palliative care eight years ago at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center. Since its inception, patient volumes at this center have skyrocketed, witnessing an impressive 250% increase, as reported in the internal publication UConn Today.
The urgent need for broader access to palliative care services became increasingly clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarah Loschiavo, nursing director of palliative medicine, supportive care, and hospice services at John Dempsey Hospital, highlighted this necessity, leading to the establishment of a specialized inpatient palliative care team that was launched just a year ago at John Dempsey.
Now, the hospital proudly introduces a new outpatient facility dedicated exclusively to delivering palliative care services, with a primary focus on patients experiencing non-cancer diagnoses. This initiative reflects the hospital’s commitment to address diverse patient needs.
“This was a great start to a brand-new service,” Loschiavo told UConn Today. “It’s a testament to the specialty palliative care providers that are part of the team and the collaboration with the hospitalist and specialty care teams which impacts the care of their patients. They are seeing the benefit from the patient and family side, as well as quality care and improved clinical outcomes so they are referring again.”
Staffing the clinic are two dedicated physicians, along with an expert team of nurses and professionals from other healthcare disciplines. Among them is Dr. Mary Buss, a palliative care physician with a background in oncology, who recently took the helm as the director of palliative care services at UConn Health in October. She is joined by geriatrician Dr. Germaine Soliman, both of whom are committed to enhancing the palliative care landscape.
Buss is also spearheading the development of a hospice and palliative medicine fellowship program at UConn, aimed at training the next generation of specialists in this essential field.
“Palliative care by nature is interdisciplinary so we intend to bring together a team that works together and functions well, recognizing the important role different disciplines, including social work, spiritual care and pharmacy, in addition to medicine and nursing, in improving the quality of life for our patients and their families,” Buss told UConn Today.
What specific impacts did the COVID-19 pandemic have on the demand for palliative care services at UConn John Dempsey Hospital?
**Interview with Sarah Loschiavo: Enhancing Palliative Care at UConn John Dempsey Hospital**
*Editor:* Good morning, Sarah! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the exciting developments in palliative care at UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Can you start by telling us why the establishment of a new outpatient palliative care clinic was necessary?
*Sarah Loschiavo:* Good morning! Thank you for having me. The need for broader access to palliative care became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. We noticed that many patients were struggling to get the necessary support and services. Our current inpatient palliative care team has been making a significant impact, but we recognized the importance of extending those services into an outpatient setting to better serve our community.
*Editor:* That’s a crucial step. You mentioned that UConn began offering outpatient palliative care at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center eight years ago. Could you tell us more about the growth you’ve seen since then?
*Sarah Loschiavo:* Absolutely! Since launching that initiative, we’ve seen a staggering 250% increase in patient volumes at the cancer center. This overwhelming response underscored the demand for these services within our community, proving that patients and families are seeking comprehensive support that palliative care provides.
*Editor:* It sounds like the initiative is really making a difference. In what ways will this new outpatient clinic enhance patient access to palliative care services?
*Sarah Loschiavo:* The new outpatient clinic will offer patients a dedicated space to receive specialized palliative care that focuses on improving quality of life and addressing symptoms related to serious illnesses. This clinic will increase accessibility, allowing patients to meet their care team, manage their conditions, and receive emotional and psychological support without needing to be hospitalized.
*Editor:* That’s great to hear. What services will the clinic provide, and how do you envision it benefiting patients and their families?
*Sarah Loschiavo:* The outpatient clinic will provide a range of services, including pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support, and coordination with other healthcare providers. By having a single point of contact for all palliative care needs, we aim to simplify the process for patients and their families, making it easier for them to receive holistic support tailored to their unique circumstances.
*Editor:* It sounds like a comprehensive approach. Lastly, Sarah, what message do you have for community members who might be in need of palliative care services?
*Sarah Loschiavo:* I want to encourage everyone to reach out if they or a loved one is facing a serious illness. Palliative care is about enhancing quality of life at any stage of a disease, not just end-of-life care. We’re here to support patients and families through their healthcare journey, and this new clinic is a vital part of that mission.
*Editor:* Thank you, Sarah, for your insightful comments and for the important work you’re doing at UConn John Dempsey Hospital. We wish you all the best with this new initiative!
*Sarah Loschiavo:* Thank you so much! We appreciate the opportunity to share our efforts in enhancing palliative care services.