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Pathways ™. A TIME FOR SUPPORT By Joan J. Pruitt, MS, MA, LPC. Pathways™ History. Created and written by Aetna and Houston Center for Palliative Care in 2003 Adopted and funded by Aetna, Cigna, and Great West Originally titled Advanced Illness Choices and Direction
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Pathways™ A TIME FOR SUPPORT By Joan J. Pruitt, MS, MA, LPC
Pathways™ History • Created and written by Aetna and Houston Center for Palliative Care in 2003 • Adopted and funded by Aetna, Cigna, and Great West • Originally titled Advanced Illness Choices and Direction • Obtained by the Texas Non-Profit Hospice Alliance (TNPHA) • Based on a similar program titled Advanced Illness Coordinated Care (AICC) Program from the book titled “Peaceful Dying” by Daniel R. Tobin, M.D.
Pathways™ Basics • Educational and supportive program for those facing advanced or chronic illness • Community outreach service offered free of charge by Hospice of Wichita Falls • Individualized patient by patient program to help with informed decision making • Sessions conducted at an agreed upon location depending on participant needs • The program does not involve medical care or medical advice, which continues to be directed by the patient’s physician
Pathways™ Goals • To assist participants and families to better understand choices and options that are available for them as they pursue treatment • To assist participants and families to determine the best direction for them as they pursue treatment • To assist participants to address issues associated with advanced or serious illness • To be life enhancing through education, support, and decision making
Pathways™ Modules • Introduction and explanation of the Pathways Program • Communication Concerns • Defining Quality of Life • Coping Strategies • Emotional Concerns • Practical Issues • Spiritual Concerns • Advance Directives
Pathways™ Facilitator Role • To provide education and information • To provide support and encouragement • To advocate and mediate when necessary • To collaborate with and refer to outside resources when necessary • To help and assist the participant and families to learn about choices and options regarding their diagnosis and treatment • To listen
In Conclusion "You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die." — Dame Cicely Saunders Founder of the Hospice movement