Palliative Care Commons^™

Interpreting Difficult Conversations In The Virtual World - Interpreter’S Perspective, Joyce Zhang, Bs, Kaitlyn Williams, Ms, Kathleen Mechler, Md

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Background

• Medical Interpreters are essential in language discordant patient-family-team interactions
  • Facilitate clear communication
  • Aid in understanding diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options
• Prior studies highlight range in interpreter comfort with serious illness conversations (SIC) though limited to in-person interpreter experience
• Rise of quick-access virtual interpreter services across the nation in many healthcare setting

Medical Assistance In Dying In A Profit-Driven Health System: Ethical And Equity Challenges In The U.S. Vs. Canada, Joseph A. Zwillenberg, Eric M. Teichner, Jacob Schwell, Cameron Haghshenas, Joseph F. Majdan, Md, Facp, Fcpp

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Introduction

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), legalized in Canada in 2016, now accounts for 4.1% of all deaths nationwide and 6.6% in Quebec as of 2022(1). In Canada’s single-payer system, MAID is integrated as a publicly funded medical service. In contrast, the U.S.’s fragmented, market-driven system is defined by profit maximization, inequitable access, and insurer- driven decision-making. While MAID aims to promote autonomy and compassion, introducing it into the American context raises profound ethical concerns, particularly regarding nonmaleficence and systemic coercion. This poster evaluates the unique risks MAID poses within the U.S. healthcare system, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Utilization Of A Palliative Care Trigger In The Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Gillian Love, Md, Shawn Mangan, Msn, Rnfa, Anp-Bc, Agacnp-Bc, Michelle Mckay, Phd, Rn, Ccrn, Joshua Marks, Md, Facs, John Liantonio, Md, Mba, Hmdc

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

• Our project aims to expand palliative care availability in the SICU by implementing a consult trigger program.
• We also aim to learn about and measure compassion fatigue of providers within the SICU.

The Anti-Epileptic Dilemma – A How To For Transitioning Patients On Seizure Medications To Hospice, Erin Kelly, Do, John Liantonio, Md, Mba, Hdmc, Debra Vermette, Md

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Objective

We propose an approach to antiepiletics in hospice that includes the evaluation of steroids, medication options, pharmacy consultation and seizure breakthrough plan so that we meet the goals of the patient on hospice.

To Anticoagulate Or Not: Decision Making Surrounding Anticoagulation In Patients In Hospice And Palliative Care Programs, Erin Kelly, Do, John Liantonio, Md, Mba, Hdmc, Debra Vermette, Md

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

Objectives

• Describe the current guidelines for CAT treatment. - Assess risk factors for bleeding and thrombosis in cancer patients and risk/benefits of anticoagulation.
• Recognize the need for individualized anticoagulation plans in order to make informed decisions that may differ from the guidelines.
• Propose anticoagulation in hospice if it will achieve the goals of the patient.