Providers Leverage Community Partnerships to Expand Palliative Care Programs, Support Patients

Palliative care providers in various states are increasingly recognizing the intrinsic value of forging robust connections with their communities by leveraging existing non-medical groups. In North Carolina, Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County has experienced notable expansion through strategic collaborations with local healthcare organizations and an Accountable Care Organization (ACO). The overarching objective of these partnerships is to enhance the quality of patient care while concurrently mitigating hospital admissions, thereby offering a more patient-centric approach. Similarly, in California, Stanford Medical Center has embarked on collaborations with community organizations, with a specific focus on expanding access to palliative care services, particularly among cancer patients. This approach seeks to bridge gaps in care accessibility and ensure that individuals facing serious illnesses receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs. In Louisiana, Hospice of Acadiana Inc. has made community partnerships a cornerstone of their approach, emphasizing the importance of addressing social determinants of health.