Geriatrics and Palliative Care Final Report - Fall 2021 Cycle 

For patients experiencing varying levels of chronic or terminal illness, palliative care is crucial to improving the quality of life. A holistic approach to palliative care reduces the progression of disability in older or chronically ill patients and evolves with their needs. Improving access to quality care for those with serious illnesses is vital. During this measure review cycle, the Geriatrics and Palliative Care Standing Committee evaluated three new measures related to hospice visits in the last days of life, patients’ experience feeling heard and understood, and patients’ experience receiving desired help for pain in ambulatory care. The Standing Committee applied the National Quality Forum’s (NQF) standard evaluation criteria and recommended all three measures for endorsement. The Consensus Standards Approval Committee (CSAC) upheld the Standing Committee’s recommendations and endorsed the three measures.