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Leading Rheumatologist and Educator will Co-direct Palliative Care Program
A new unit slated to open in September will provide a team of experienced clinicians, and a dedicated space, to care for cancer patients with a need for intensive, focused attention to physical, social, psychological, and spiritual sources of distress and suffering.
The Acute Palliative Care Unit (APCU), a family-focused, pilot program for Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, will be the first of its kind in Massachusetts. Janet Abrahm, MD, and David Giansiracusa, MD, will serve as co-directors (see related story). The newly renovated space is intended to handle the most complex patients whose problems cannot be managed at home, with the aim to reduce suffering and enhance quality of life.
“This unit provides a unique opportunity for an interdisciplinary team of caregivers to coordinate efforts and provide intensive relief from suffering,” said Giansiracusa.
The new unit, to be located on 5A - a general oncology unit at BWH housing DFCI licensed beds - will support six palliative care patients alongside six general oncology patients. Nurses and other staff will care for both oncology and APCU patients along with the palliative care team, which is comprised of physicians, nurses, psychiatrists, and a social worker, pharmacist, chaplain, and care coordinator. Patients will be cared for in close collaboration with their oncologists, to ensure seamlessness and continuity in care.
“Our care for patients with palliative care needs has traditionally been disbursed throughout the hospital, but recent medical literature says it should be centralized,” explains Dianne Cerce, BWH’s executive director for oncology services. “A unit that focuses on palliative care is advantageous both medically and financially because care is provided more efficiently and patients have shorter stays. We hope to expand this service beyond cancer to other specialties.”