Our Committment
The NCHPC coalition is committed to ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in all advocacy, policy, and communications efforts. Patients need equitable access to quality care for serious illness regardless of location, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or ability. Our member organizations work together to share best practices, frameworks, and strategies that have an impact on improving DEI in serious illness care.
Our members strive to:
- Advance health equity for all patients with serious illness and their caregivers
- Forge ongoing collaborations across the field of hospice and palliative care to build capacity in DEI, align resources, avoid duplication, and overcome barriers to care
- Recognize the specialized needs of all patients across the lifespan including pediatric patients and their families
Palliative care is inclusive of all people with serious illness, regardless of setting, diagnosis, prognosis, or age. As a result, language specific to the care of neonates, children, and adolescents was emphasized throughout the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care, 4th edition (NCP Guidelines).
Board Recommendation
The NCHPC recommends that our member organizations strive to create products and services to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion for serious illness care across the lifespan and encourage members to offer these without cost to participants regardless of membership status.
I am most proud of the Coalition’s thoughtful and committed approach to diversity and inclusion. After the recent racial reckoning, we knew we needed to do more, and we ensured that this work is a part of our strategic planning process moving forward.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Quality Palliative Care, 4th edition
Create a blueprint for excellence by establishing a comprehensive foundation for gold-standard palliative care, including evidence-based processes and practices for providing safe and reliable high-quality care for all people living with serious illness, regardless of their diagnosis, prognosis, age or where they live or receive care.
