Reconceptualizing How the Most Seriously Ill Patients Experience the Emergency Department

Lead Institution:

Dr. Mark Kantrow, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center

Additional Partners:

Ochsner Health System and Baton Rouge General

Launchpad Award Date:

May 2023

“Reconceptualizing How the Most Seriously Ill Patients Experience the Emergency Department” uses a palliative care intervention in emergency department settings to support seriously ill and near end-of-life, patients, and their families, in decision-making about the care path they want to pursue.

This pilot project, led by Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and in partnership with Ochsner Health System and Baton Rouge General, addresses the disconnect between seriously ill and near end-of-life patient care goals and healthcare protocols provided in the emergency department. Short educational videos describing the various care options available for critically ill and dying patients, foster an environment for patients and their families to make important decisions regarding care. Presenting the options to families can lead to earlier referrals to the palliative care team or hospice services based on what the patient and family want.