Clinical Excellence in Palliative Care: Examples From the Published Literature

Abstract

Background: With the expansion of palliative care, the concept of clinical excellence is worthy of study and has not been described well in the literature.

Objective: To apply the domains of clinical excellence, as proposed and published by the Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence, to the field of palliative care.

Design: Review of the literature to identify episodes of superb palliative care delivered by individuals and teams.

Measurement and main results: In reviewing 821 publications, we found multiple palliative care case reports to serve as exemplars for each of the distinct domains of clinical excellence.

Conclusions: The domains of excellence are relevant and applicable to the field of palliative care. This article aims to inspire clinicians-and advance the field-by promoting thoughtful reflection on what clinical excellence in palliative care entails.

Keywords: clinical excellence; domains of excellence; excellent patient care; exemplars; palliative care; palliative medicine.