On October 7, 2019, SDAHO successfully hosted its first annual Hallmarks of a Successful Post-Acute Care Network physician education event. This conference was geared towards clinicians and executives, with the objective to engage in discussions on partnering across the health care continuum to reduce medical errors and provide patient-centered care at the end of life.
Participants heard from speakers on topics ranging from interoperability and information exchange, emerging payment models, technology solutions to improve quality of life, and how to find a better path to the end of life.
This half-day education wrapped up with ICU and Palliative Care physician and nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Jessica Zitter. Dr. Zitter discussed the “end-of-life conveyor belt” and how mechanization and protocol override personal preference and collaborative decision-making with end-of-life discussions. Speaking from personal experience, Dr. Zitter shared stories on how she’s transforming care by openly talking with patients about their preferences and values around death and dying and how this can affect their right to live the way they choose, right up until the end. At the conclusion of the session, Dr. LuAnn Eidsness joined Dr. Zitter for a fireside chat on some of the hot topics surrounding end of life care, including South Dakota MOST, patient-centered approach to honoring values and wishes, and physician involvement along the healthcare continuum with end of life discussions.
Thank you to those that attended – this was a success because of the involvement from our members. As we continue to partner with providers across the continuum, please let us know of other educational topics to enhance health care collaboration to better serve residents of South Dakota.
