(Dr. Jennifer Blechman received special recognition for her work in the field of palliative care | Photo courtesy of Partners In Care)
Dr. Jennifer A. Blechman recently earned the designation Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (FAAHPM). It is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a physician member. The Academy is the professional organization for physicians who improve the care for patients with life-threatening or serious illness.
Blechman currently is employed by Partners In Care, which launched its community-based palliative care program in 2014 after having provided hospice care since 1979.
In addition to being named as a Fellow, last month Dr. Blechman received special recognition at CAPC’s (Center to Advance Palliative Care) National Seminar for her poster highlighting Partners In Care’s palliative care program for being especially innovative, high-quality and likely to spur change in the field of palliative care.
Palliative care is increasingly recognized for the benefit it provides to those living with a serious illness, as well as the substantial cost savings in health care it provides. According to a 2018 study, palliative care consultation can reduce direct hospital costs by $3,000 per patient admitted, and up to $4,800 per admission for patients suffering from four or more diagnoses. It can also reduce the frequency of 911 calls, emergency department visits and unnecessary hospitalizations.
“In addition to the potential for a reduction in medical costs, community-based palliative care just makes sense for people at any point in the course of their illness,” noted Eric Alexander, CEO at Partners In Care. “This is a unique kind of care that doesn’t interrupt other treatments as it focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of illness. Ultimately, this helps improve quality of life.”
Dr. Blechman’s role as a specialist, and now as a Fellow of the AAHPM, is to lead a patient-centered team that works with that patient’s other doctors to provide an extra layer of support and ensure that patients get the best care possible that is in line with their care goals. Consultations can be most impactful soon after the diagnosis of a serious illness and are conducted either in the oncology clinic at Summit/BMC, or in a patient’s home or care facility.
Through community education and working with referring physicians in Central Oregon, Partners In Care is intent on clarifying the role and benefits of palliative care and how it fits within the overall continuum of care provided by Partners. “The term ‘palliative care’ is a descriptor, not a brand that any entity can own or promote,” noted Alexander. “We are proud to be able to offer this service led by such an expert in this field as Dr. Blechman.”
