Hospice and Palliative Care: A Primer
Presented by Rich Briggs
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Non-Financial: Rich Briggs has no competing non-financial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
This course is part of our GCS Prep-Program. Learn more about the full prep-program here: MedBridge GCS Prep-Program.
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are in their essence palliative, in that function and quality of life are maximized, rather than disease or disability cured. It is important to understand all aspects of the new hospice and palliative care niche to develop a successful and rewarding clinical practice. This course begins with the history and development of current methods, identification of philosophy, goals, organizational structure, and financial issues of the Medicare Hospice Benefit, the primary payer that mandates such care. The unique and essential roles of rehabilitative therapies are outlined, addressing practice patterns, team roles, equipment, and referral management. The course concludes with a review of cost neutral strategies for hospice therapy program development and optimal organizational success.
Meet your instructor
Rich Briggs
Richard Briggs PT, MA has a clinical practice specializing in palliative care and hospice for the past 30 years. He has taught at the APTA National Conference and Combined Sections Meeting, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Clinical and Management Conferences, the California Hospice Foundation, and…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. History and Development
In the first chapter of this course, Rich Briggs introduces participants to the origin and definition of end of life care. He identifies the palliative aspects of rehabilitation therapies and discusses modern approaches to hospice and palliative care.
2. Medicare Hospice Benefit
Chapter 2 begins by reviewing hospice philosophy and goals. Rich Briggs identifies populations and diagnoses receiving end of life care. Participants will learn the hospice care reimbursement structure and be able to differentiate covered services and equipment. Interdisciplinary team roles and interactions are discussed.
3. Roles of Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy
In Chapter 3, Rich Briggs identifies the evaluative role of therapy and consultative opportunities in care. Participants will learn the appropriate treatment orientation and use of practice patterns.
4. Cost Neutral Strategies
Participants will learn to utilize complementary visit integration for efficient practice and how to implement reduced aide visitation with family training. Rich Briggs discusses how to identify fall and injury prevention measures.
5. Program Development for Organizational Success
In the final chapter of this course, Rich Briggs identifies the barriers to utilization of therapy services. Participants will learn to discern internal and external marketing opportunities, and recognize the top ten reasons for hospice therapy. They will learn to provide improved patient/family quality of life, safety, and satisfaction.
