AAHPM — Winter Quarterly 2011
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QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
AAHPM Points of Progress
In June 2011, the Board of Directors and other Academy leaders met to review and update the AAHPM Strategic Plan for the next 3–5 years. Participants incorporated feedback from a recent member survey and considered other factors likely to impact the field and the organization in the future. AAHPM’s goals and objectives were updated to reflect emerging issues and trends. Read the new plan in the Members Only section of aahpm.org. AAHPM’s more than 30 committees and task forces, representing the efforts and expertise of hundreds of members, have made significant progress toward implementing the Academy’s current goals. This progress report highlights recent accomplishments and milestones within each goal area of the plan during the most recent quarter.
Strengthen Communities Within AAHPM
Sixteen established and seven developing SIGs will meet at the 2012 Annual Assembly. These meetings will take place during five separate time slots, encouraging members to participate in more than one SIG. For the first time, SIGs will also have information tables at the Opening Reception to recruit new members, connect with current members, and network with other SIGs. A new SIG, Safety Net, was recently approved.
The Membership & Communities Strategic Coordinating Committee approved two new policies related to Notification of Death of a Member and Inactive Member Status, reviewed applications and recommended recipients of the Access Fund scholarship and fellow status within the Academy, and approved 29 new Fellows of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Build Workforce and Leadership
The Academic Palliative Medicine Task Force has been gathering information on current needs within the academic community and capturing workforce and demographic data, which will be used to design resources for the academic community. The Fellowship Grant Task Force awarded 10 Hearst Foundations Aging Initiative Grants, which will partially support programs’ efforts to train physicians interested in caring for the aging and becoming mentors, educators, and role models (see related article on page 27). The Leadership Development Committee created sessions and developed content for the Annual Assembly and is currently working on developing a comprehensive leadership training program for hospice and palliative medicine physicians.
The Mid-Career Training Task Force worked in collaboration with Center to Advance Palliative Care to develop a comprehensive clinical training site directory for health care professionals in the field. Whether you are interested in on-site training or your hospice and palliative care program would like to be included, visit aahpm.org or capc.org.
Advance Knowledge and Competence
The Hospice Medical Director Committee completed its work defining core competencies and assessment methodologies for the newly approved hospice medical director certification program. The goal is to begin certifying hospice medical directors in 2013. In addition, the newly updated Hospice Medical Director Manual, edited by Barry Kinzbrunner, MD FAAHPM, and Todd Coté, MD FAAFP FAAHPM, is now available through AAHPM’s online bookstore. This highly anticipated manual promises to be a popular and practical tool for hospice physicians and medical directors. To purchase your copy, visit aahpm.org and click the Shop tab.
The UNIPAC, 4th edition, is scheduled for release at the 2012 Annual Assembly. Related CME credit will be offered through the completion of online confidencebased competence modules developed with amplifire software by Knowledge Factor.
To help physicians prepare for the 2012 American Board of Medical Specialties and 2013 American Osteopathic Association certification exams in hospice and palliative medicine, the Academy is sponsoring the Intensive Board Review Course, July 12–14, 2012, in Louisville, KY. Registration will open in March 2012. In addition, the HPM FAST pediatric, psychiatry/cognition, and prognostication modules are being reviewed and updated with release scheduled for June 2012.
Earlier this year, Amy Abernethy, MD FAAHPM, announced she would be stepping down from her role as editor-in-chief of PC-FACS at the end of 2011. This decision gave the Academy the opportunity to review the current process and outline a new editorial process moving forward. The Publications Committee was charged with spearheading the project. After reviewing job descriptions of several other publications, the Publications Committee drafted descriptions specific for PC-FACS and created a revised model for the editorial team that will allow the Academy to manage the operations of the publication. A call for PCFACS leadership was made to the entire membership, and the Publications Committee will interview and select an editor-in-chief. The editor will then select his or her editorial team from the submitted applicants with the Publications Committee’s approval. Positions are expected be filled during the first quarter of 2012 so the full group can assemble during the 2012 Annual Assembly.
Promote Quality Care and Evidence-Based Research
The Research Committee reviewed and approved two surveys for distribution to the membership and also identified reviewers and prepared materials for poster sessions at the Annual Assembly. The Quality & Research Strategic Coordinating Committee is developing a plan to chart the Academy’s quality activities over the next several years, focusing on increased collaboration and integration with AAHPM education activities. AAHPM has worked closely with the National Quality Foundation to develop recommendations for NQF endorsement. Measures fall into the categories of pain management, dyspnea, care preference, and quality of care at end of life.
Increase External Awareness and Reach
AAHPM’s Twitter followers have increased to more than 1,600; posts are frequently retweeted to thousands each day. Facebook also continues to be a popular place for fans and followers to find news from AAHPM. The Academy’s two LinkedIn groups (general and hospice medical directors) also provide a forum for many conversations to take place.
Academy staff exhibited at the annual meetings for the National Association for Home Care and Hospice as well as the American Osteopathic Association in the fall. Both provided opportunities to talk with physicians and other healthcare providers about the specialty of hospice and palliative medicine and the many programs and products offered by AAHPM.
The Ethics Committee’s policy on withholding and withdrawing medical interventions was made available online for member comment and then approved by the board at its most recent meeting.
The Academy held its Capitol Hill Days, a fly-in to Washington, DC, which allowed 18 Academy members to promote the field of hospice and palliative medicine and advance AAHPM’s advocacy goals with key policymakers. In meetings with 60 congressional offices, participants helped members of Congress and their health policy staff learn more about the field and the benefit to patients, and discussed the need for a palliative care education and training bill (see related article on page 6).
The Public Policy Committee reviewed legislation with implications for the field of hospice and palliative medicine and recommended that AAHPM be on record as endorsing two hospice-related measures: the Hospice Evaluation and Legitimate Payment (HELP) Act (S. 722) and the Medicare Hospice Care Access Act of 2011 (S. 891). Earlier this year, AAHPM endorsed the Personalize Your Care Act of 2011 (H.R. 1589). You can contact your elected officials directly through AAHPM’s online Legislative Action Center and ask them to support these measures. Click the Take Action tab on aahpm.org to see all the bills the Academy is tracking in the 112th Congress.
At an October meeting of the State Hospice Organization Executives Roundtable, Public Policy Committee Chair Stephen A. Leedy, MD FAAHPM, and State Policy Issues Working Group Chair Gregg K. VandeKieft, MD MA, presented an overview of AAHPM and gathered information on states’ needs that will help guide the Academy’s efforts to develop new advocacy resources.
AAHPM continues to participate in the National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care, chaired by AAHPM President Ronald J. Crossno, MD CMD FAAFP FAAHPM, and supported by Executive Director/CEO Steve Smith, CAE. Representatives from the Coalition’s member organizations meet monthly by conference call. Additional calls and collaboration also occur between meetings.
Dr. Crossno was invited to represent AAHPM at the October meeting of the Physician Leadership Forum, a new program of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC). The Forum, held in conjunction with NAHC’s 30th Annual Meeting, was planned to update physicians on relevant clinical, administrative, and regulatory issues and emerging models of physician-led care. AAHPM also exhibited at the NAHC meeting to share information about the field and the Academy’s resources. (See related article on page 4.)
Porter Storey, MD FACP FAAHPM, represented the Academy at the semiannual meeting of the Council of Medical Specialty Societies in Washington, DC. Discussions focused on the CMSS post-healthcare reform, physicians and the Medicare program, and comparative effectiveness research.
AAHPM is grateful for the many volunteers who continue to provide the leadership and guidance needed to direct the programs and activities of the Academy.
In June 2011, the Board of Directors and other Academy leaders met to review and update the AAHPM Strategic Plan for the next 3–5 years. Participants incorporated feedback from a recent member survey and considered other factors likely to impact the field and the organization in the future. AAHPM’s goals and objectives were updated to reflect emerging issues and trends. Read the new plan in the Members Only section of aahpm.org. AAHPM’s more than 30 committees and task forces, representing the efforts and expertise of hundreds of members, have made significant progress toward implementing the Academy’s current goals. This progress report highlights recent accomplishments and milestones within each goal area of the plan during the most recent quarter.
Strengthen Communities Within AAHPM
Sixteen established and seven developing SIGs will meet at the 2012 Annual Assembly. These meetings will take place during five separate time slots, encouraging members to participate in more than one SIG. For the first time, SIGs will also have information tables at the Opening Reception to recruit new members, connect with current members, and network with other SIGs. A new SIG, Safety Net, was recently approved.
The Membership & Communities Strategic Coordinating Committee approved two new policies related to Notification of Death of a Member and Inactive Member Status, reviewed applications and recommended recipients of the Access Fund scholarship and fellow status within the Academy, and approved 29 new Fellows of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Build Workforce and Leadership
The Academic Palliative Medicine Task Force has been gathering information on current needs within the academic community and capturing workforce and demographic data, which will be used to design resources for the academic community. The Fellowship Grant Task Force awarded 10 Hearst Foundations Aging Initiative Grants, which will partially support programs’ efforts to train physicians interested in caring for the aging and becoming mentors, educators, and role models (see related article on page 27). The Leadership Development Committee created sessions and developed content for the Annual Assembly and is currently working on developing a comprehensive leadership training program for hospice and palliative medicine physicians.
The Mid-Career Training Task Force worked in collaboration with Center to Advance Palliative Care to develop a comprehensive clinical training site directory for health care professionals in the field. Whether you are interested in on-site training or your hospice and palliative care program would like to be included, visit aahpm.org or capc.org.
Advance Knowledge and Competence
The Hospice Medical Director Committee completed its work defining core competencies and assessment methodologies for the newly approved hospice medical director certification program. The goal is to begin certifying hospice medical directors in 2013. In addition, the newly updated Hospice Medical Director Manual, edited by Barry Kinzbrunner, MD FAAHPM, and Todd Coté, MD FAAFP FAAHPM, is now available through AAHPM’s online bookstore. This highly anticipated manual promises to be a popular and practical tool for hospice physicians and medical directors. To purchase your copy, visit aahpm.org and click the Shop tab.
The UNIPAC, 4th edition, is scheduled for release at the 2012 Annual Assembly. Related CME credit will be offered through the completion of online confidencebased competence modules developed with amplifire software by Knowledge Factor.
To help physicians prepare for the 2012 American Board of Medical Specialties and 2013 American Osteopathic Association certification exams in hospice and palliative medicine, the Academy is sponsoring the Intensive Board Review Course, July 12–14, 2012, in Louisville, KY. Registration will open in March 2012. In addition, the HPM FAST pediatric, psychiatry/cognition, and prognostication modules are being reviewed and updated with release scheduled for June 2012.
Earlier this year, Amy Abernethy, MD FAAHPM, announced she would be stepping down from her role as editor-in-chief of PC-FACS at the end of 2011. This decision gave the Academy the opportunity to review the current process and outline a new editorial process moving forward. The Publications Committee was charged with spearheading the project. After reviewing job descriptions of several other publications, the Publications Committee drafted descriptions specific for PC-FACS and created a revised model for the editorial team that will allow the Academy to manage the operations of the publication. A call for PCFACS leadership was made to the entire membership, and the Publications Committee will interview and select an editor-in-chief. The editor will then select his or her editorial team from the submitted applicants with the Publications Committee’s approval. Positions are expected be filled during the first quarter of 2012 so the full group can assemble during the 2012 Annual Assembly.
Promote Quality Care and Evidence-Based Research
The Research Committee reviewed and approved two surveys for distribution to the membership and also identified reviewers and prepared materials for poster sessions at the Annual Assembly. The Quality & Research Strategic Coordinating Committee is developing a plan to chart the Academy’s quality activities over the next several years, focusing on increased collaboration and integration with AAHPM education activities. AAHPM has worked closely with the National Quality Foundation to develop recommendations for NQF endorsement. Measures fall into the categories of pain management, dyspnea, care preference, and quality of care at end of life.
Increase External Awareness and Reach
AAHPM’s Twitter followers have increased to more than 1,600; posts are frequently retweeted to thousands each day. Facebook also continues to be a popular place for fans and followers to find news from AAHPM. The Academy’s two LinkedIn groups (general and hospice medical directors) also provide a forum for many conversations to take place.
Academy staff exhibited at the annual meetings for the National Association for Home Care and Hospice as well as the American Osteopathic Association in the fall. Both provided opportunities to talk with physicians and other healthcare providers about the specialty of hospice and palliative medicine and the many programs and products offered by AAHPM.
The Ethics Committee’s policy on withholding and withdrawing medical interventions was made available online for member comment and then approved by the board at its most recent meeting.
The Academy held its Capitol Hill Days, a fly-in to Washington, DC, which allowed 18 Academy members to promote the field of hospice and palliative medicine and advance AAHPM’s advocacy goals with key policymakers. In meetings with 60 congressional offices, participants helped members of Congress and their health policy staff learn more about the field and the benefit to patients, and discussed the need for a palliative care education and training bill (see related article on page 6).
The Public Policy Committee reviewed legislation with implications for the field of hospice and palliative medicine and recommended that AAHPM be on record as endorsing two hospice-related measures: the Hospice Evaluation and Legitimate Payment (HELP) Act (S. 722) and the Medicare Hospice Care Access Act of 2011 (S. 891). Earlier this year, AAHPM endorsed the Personalize Your Care Act of 2011 (H.R. 1589). You can contact your elected officials directly through AAHPM’s online Legislative Action Center and ask them to support these measures. Click the Take Action tab on aahpm.org to see all the bills the Academy is tracking in the 112th Congress.
At an October meeting of the State Hospice Organization Executives Roundtable, Public Policy Committee Chair Stephen A. Leedy, MD FAAHPM, and State Policy Issues Working Group Chair Gregg K. VandeKieft, MD MA, presented an overview of AAHPM and gathered information on states’ needs that will help guide the Academy’s efforts to develop new advocacy resources.
AAHPM continues to participate in the National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care, chaired by AAHPM President Ronald J. Crossno, MD CMD FAAFP FAAHPM, and supported by Executive Director/CEO Steve Smith, CAE. Representatives from the Coalition’s member organizations meet monthly by conference call. Additional calls and collaboration also occur between meetings.
Dr. Crossno was invited to represent AAHPM at the October meeting of the Physician Leadership Forum, a new program of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC). The Forum, held in conjunction with NAHC’s 30th Annual Meeting, was planned to update physicians on relevant clinical, administrative, and regulatory issues and emerging models of physician-led care. AAHPM also exhibited at the NAHC meeting to share information about the field and the Academy’s resources. (See related article on page 4.)
Porter Storey, MD FACP FAAHPM, represented the Academy at the semiannual meeting of the Council of Medical Specialty Societies in Washington, DC. Discussions focused on the CMSS post-healthcare reform, physicians and the Medicare program, and comparative effectiveness research.
AAHPM is grateful for the many volunteers who continue to provide the leadership and guidance needed to direct the programs and activities of the Academy.
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