Justin Michael Ingerman Center for Palliative Care Receives Circle of Life Award for End-of-Life Care
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was one of nine programs awarded a 2008 Circle of Life Award by the American Hospital Association.
"The Circle of Life award recognizes organizations that are focused on expanding the frontiers of palliative and end-of-life care, in terms of access and quality," said AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock. "These programs are striving to be there for patients and families every step of the way, with expertise, compassion, and assistance. A focus on choice and dignity help distinguish these programs and help serve as a model to others," he added.
The Justin Michael Ingerman Center for Palliative Care Team at Children's Hospital
The Circle of Life award specifically recognizes the work of the Justin Michael Ingerman Center for Palliative Care at Children's Hospital. The Center for Palliative Care is a multidisciplinary team that focuses on the psychological, social and spiritual needs of children with life limiting illnesses and their families. The Center for Palliative Care maximizes a child's quality of life by supporting the child, and by educating and involving the family, community and caregivers who surround him.
The team also conducts research studies to learn:
- How hospitals can best support families facing difficult decisions about their child's care
- How regional systems of care can be better organized to provide palliative care services
- What types of medical interventions and assistance are most helpful to children with life-threatening diseases and their families.
The knowledge gained through research improves care throughout the institution, and in other hospitals, hospices and the communities they serve.