Services Offered
Renowned for state-of-the art medical treatments that save lives, BIDMC also has a longstanding reputation for excellence in helping patients and families confront the inevitable process of dying.
More than 600 inpatients die each year at BIDMC. Many more pass through our inpatient units shortly before going home or to another facility for their last days. For years, the BIDMC palliative care consultation service has assisted many of these patients and families, through direct consultations and through educational and other support of their caregivers.
We are frequently consulted to help a patient and family identify their most important goals for whatever time remains, and to suggest care plans that can achieve as many of those goals as possible. Controlling pain or nausea can allow patients and their loved ones to enjoy additional time together that is priceless. Creative efforts can fulfill some patients' deepest wish-to spend their last days at home. Finally, our Bereavement Program writes to the family of every patient who has died in the hospital, offering families support and reminding them that we are not yet done caring about and for them.
Some of the services we offer include but are not limited to the following:
- Symptom management including but not limited to: pain, nausea, depression, and delirium
- Medical treatment goals
- End of life concerns
- Advance directives
- Resuscitation status
- Support for patient transitions including: home with hospice programs, skilled nursing facilities, and rehabilitation centers
- Family support
- Staff support and education
- Bereavement education and support
- Volunteer visitor program
- Reiki therapy
