Education About Palliative Care Services in a Skilled Nursing Facility

Misconceptions and myths exist around palliative care due to inaccurate knowledge and/or negative beliefs among the general population. These misconceptions may inhibit integration of palliative care for eligible patients in skilled nursing home (SNF) settings. In our SNF the admission facilitator has a discussion with new SNF patients and families if deemed appropriate for palliative care and no additional education is provided during their SNF stay. SNF staff have mentioned having difficulty with palliative care conversations with families and patients when they become eligible for this service.