More hospitals launch palliative care programs

Hospitals are creating palliative care programs at an increasing pace, with the volume of programs having increased 96 percent over the last five years, according to new research by the Center to Advance Palliative Care. The study, which analyzed 2006 data from the American Hospital Association, found that 1,240 U.S. hospitals had implemented such programs this year, compared with 632 programs that existed in 2000. All told, 30 percent of hospitals have palliative care programs, most predominantly in teaching hospitals and hospitals with more than 250 beds. These programs were also more common in not-for-profit and VA hospitals.

To find out more about this trend:
- see this release from the CAPC

Related Article:
Palliative care saves money, gives patients more control. Report
Aggressive care may not prolong lives. Report

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