More than 130 people from all spectrums of health care participated in the 6th Annual Palliative Care Transitions Conference, Feb. 25, 2014, at the Hilton Pasadena.

Top comments from participants after the conference included:

• Great ideas for overcoming the barriers to creating a palliative care program
• New information I can use to promote palliative care in my hospital
• Knowledgeable speakers with firsthand experience

Participants also noted that they would like to receive follow-up information on outpatient care and re-hospitalization statistics after a few years to fully and accurately track care transitions information.

Hot topics included:

• The Palliative Care Evolution in Coordinated Care Integrations
• Health Policy Issues
• Clinical Challenges with Depression Comorbidities and the Palliative Care Patient
• Care Transitions Programs – Where Does Palliative Care Fit In?
• The Triple Aim in the Care Continuum: Is it Achievable?

Interactive breakout sessions allowed for discussion on the following topics:

• Program Certification and Clinician Credentialing
• Cultural Diversity
• Difficult Conversations

Speakers shared experiences from varied perspectives on how best to deliver care to patients with advanced disease. The conference provided an updated framework for future regional networks of integrated, coordinated patient transitions for all acute, post-acute and physician providers and payers.

Contact: Jamila Mayers
(213) 538-0739, jmayers@hasc.org