Palliative Care in Critical Rural Settings
Dorothy Dale M Mayer1, Charlene A Winters2
1Dorothy "Dale" M. Mayer is an assistant professor, College of Nursing, Montana State University, Missoula, Montana.Charlene A. Winters is a professor, College of Nursing, Montana State University. dmayer@montana.edu.
Critical Care Nurse
|February 3, 2016
Summary
Rural nurses in critical access hospitals are vital for providing palliative care to patients and families in underserved areas. Collaboration between rural and urban nurses can expand palliative care access across all settings.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Delivery
- Rural Health
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Critical access hospitals (CAHs) in the U.S. (1332 total) are small, rural facilities with fewer than 25 beds.
- CAHs provide essential services including acute care, ambulatory care, labor and delivery, and general surgery.
- The increasing prevalence of serious conditions necessitates expanded palliative care services.
Observation:
- Palliative care programs are present in some, but not all, CAHs.
- Rural nurses, as generalists, are uniquely positioned to deliver palliative care.
- A case report highlights the role of nurses and CAHs in rural palliative care.
Findings:
- Rural nurses can provide essential palliative care to patients and families in their communities.
- CAHs can serve as crucial hubs for delivering palliative care in rural settings.
- Nurses in CAHs play a significant role in addressing the growing need for palliative care.
Implications:
- Expanding palliative care services in CAHs can improve quality of life for rural patients with serious illnesses.
- Interprofessional collaboration between rural and urban nursing teams can enhance palliative care delivery.
- Strengthening palliative care in rural areas is essential for equitable healthcare access.
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