The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #36420

Sandra W. Reifsteck, RN, MS, FACMPE, Regional Administrator, Bayer Institute for Health Care Communication, 4007 Clubhouse Drive, Champaign, IL 61822, 217-398-3308, SWR4007@aol.com

Conversations at the end of life are difficult for most clinicians. Attention to symptoms and function is always a part of medical and nursing care. The proportion of palliative care to disease-based care grows as a disease progresses. Palliative care is not “no care” but instead a treatment approach that looks at the total patient, not just the disease. The goal of palliative care is achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families. Death is viewed as a normal and natural event, not to be hastened or prolonged, but to be anticipated and prepared for. Churches and congregations are an ideal forum to assist and involve the public in these types of health care decisions. This presentation will assist professionals and lay public health experts with skills to promote the spiritual side of health care delivery.

This faculty development program shares ideas on how to incorporate these skills sets into programs or organizations including ways to deepen one’s own communication skills, to coach colleagues, and to become an advocate for greater attention to this topic in the public they serve. Each of the seven modules can be given in a one hour session and build on each other but can also stand alone. This overview oral presentation will further enlighten the participant to their own views on death and end of life care as they reflect on their own beliefs and experiences.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the learner will be able to

• Articulate the definition of palliative care including goals, elements, and benefits (
• Discuss the “4E’s” model of communication skills and specific applications in their setting (
• Analyze their comfort and confidence in discussing end of life issues (
• Reflect on their personal beliefs and experiences with end of life care.

Keywords: Communication, End-of-Life Care

Related Web page: www.bayerinstitute.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Bayer Institute for Health Care Communication New Haven, CT. Community Parish Nurse Program, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Illinois
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Faculty with the Bayer Institute and consultant to the Community Parish Nurse Program

Handout (.doc format, 43.0 kb)