The Program

The "On My Terms: Patient Directed Care" conference, to be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 in Southfield, Michigan will bring together physicians, social workers, nurses, case managers, nursing home administrators and other health care professionals from throughout Southeast Michigan and bordering states. The intent of this conference is to increase understanding of the value and benefits of patient centered care in order to maximize comfort and quality of life for those affected by chronic and life-limiting illness. Patient directed care encompasses the qualities of compassion, empathy and responsiveness to the needs, values and expressed preferences of the individual patient. Conference participants will receive continuing education credits, along with the opportunity to network with others in their field.

Co-chaired by Carolyn Cassin, President and CEO of the National Hospice Work Group, this symposium will feature Dr. Ira Byock, world-renowned author, palliative care physician and long-time advocate for improving care at end-of-life. Other national speakers include Stewart Fleishman, MD and Dale Larson, PhD. Also on the program are local experts Gail Evo, Robert Zalenski, MD, Michael Paletta, MD, Peg Nelson, RN

About The Caring Coalition

The "On My Terms: Patient Directed Care" conference is presented by the Caring Coalition, a diverse group of Southeast Michigan hospices, hospitals and other organizations whose purpose is to educate health care professionals and the general public about issues related to hospice and palliative care. The more than 50 members of the Caring Coalition have worked together to present accredited conferences which have each attracted more than 800 healthcare professionals.

Our 2011 conference, The Science of Comfort Care, explored evidence-based practices and philosophies offering comfort to those affected by chronic and life-limiting illness. The 2010 conference, Handle with Care: Powerful Compassionate Care Giving drew attendees to a conversation about best practices in caregiving. In 2009, our conference, The War on Pain, addressed the under treatment of pain in patients with chronic and terminal illness. In 2008, The Same But Different symposium explored the similarities and differences in rituals and customs practiced by different faiths at the end of life. These conferences attracted social workers, nurses, pharmacists, physicians, clergy members, hospice and elder care workers.

We expect the 2012 event to attract similar numbers of health care professionals whose work requires them to understand the issues of shared decision making, giving greater choice and control to the most vulnerable population. Our attendees serve the physical and emotional health needs of thousands of patients and their families throughout Southeast Michigan and bordering states.

To register, go to the registration page, or call 248.592.2687.