1/3 of Americans still believe that death panels are a part of health care reform
Ellen Goodman, the famous US columnist, has retired and taken on a new cause: The Conversation Project. It’s a grass-roots effort in partnership with the Harvard School of Public Health to normalize the conversation about end of life care.
She described the project and it’s goals during the Institute for Health Care Improvement conference in Florida, December of 2010. Although a full scale public media campaign is still in the planning stages, below are a few notes from the session.
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Most people want to die “peacefully” at home but 80% die in hospitals.
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What is the definition of a good death versus a bad death? Whether the patient had their wishes espressed and respected.
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Getting it right requires a convesation with healthcare providers and family members.
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Change from the bottom up — Consumers first. Storytelling is at the heart of the campaign.
I look forward to more from the Conversation Project and Ms. Goodman.