The Washington Rural Palliative Care Initiative (WRPCI) is an effort to better serve patients with serious illness in rural communities. Led by the Washington State Office of Rural Health at the Washington State Department of Health, this public-private partnership involves over 24 different organizations to assist rural health systems and communities to integrate palliative care in multiple settings, such as emergency department, inpatient, skilled rehabilitation, home health, hospice, primary care, and long-term care.

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Rural Community Participants

Nineteen rural communities are currently participating in the Initiative. The Washington State Office of Rural Health team was linked to efforts in North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, with technical assistance and funding from Stratis Health, pioneers in rural palliative care. The project also had funding support from Amerigroup/Anthem. WRPCI prepared a summary report on the first year of telehealth activities.

 

Washington Rural Palliative Care Initiative Community Map                     

What is Palliative Care? 

Palliative care is specialized care for people living with serious illness. Care is focused on relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness and treatment—whatever the diagnosis. The goal is to improve and sustain quality of life for the patient, loved ones and other care companions. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with active treatment. Palliative care facilitates patient autonomy, access to information, and choice. The palliative care team helps patients and families understand the nature of their illness, and make timely, informed decisions about care. Learn more about WA Rural Palliative Care Initiative

 

 The Palliative Care Road Map

 

Palliative Care Road Map link

 

 

 The Washington Rural Palliative Care Initiative Handbook

The Washington Rural Palliative Care Initiative Handbook 2023 2nd edition

The Palliative Care Road Map is a FREE publication to help patients, and the people they love sort through the experience of serious illness and conditions. Healthcare teams may find it a useful tool for assisting their patients. Each section offers empathy and information to help make sense of how serious illnesses and conditions unfold over time, with listed resources and key terms defined.

 

To order printed copies: The Palliative Care Roadmap may also be ordered as a published booklet by logging in at MarketDirect Storefront (myprintdesk.net) or creating a MyPrintDesk account and searching for the title.

The Washington Rural Palliative Care Initiative Handbook is a publication designed to help rural health communities and organizations learn more about the framework of this initiative. Please explore the Washington Rural Palliative Care Initiative Handbook to learn more about the framework of this initiative.

 

 

Contact

Washington State Department of Health

Pat Justis

Executive Director, State Office of Rural Health
Leader, Washington Rural Palliative Care Initiative

Patricia.Justis@doh.wa.gov
360-236-2805

www.doh.wa.gov/ruralhealth