The Advanced Illness Management (AIM) team at our hospital provides specialized palliative care services, acting as an invaluable resource for patients facing serious illnesses. Often referred to as the hospital-based palliative care team, AIM collaborates closely with home-based palliative care and hospice programs, focusing specifically on individuals requiring hospitalization. Our dedicated AIM team includes experienced doctors, nurse practitioners, a social worker, and a chaplain, all working in partnership with your primary medical team and specialists. We are an added layer of support, aiming to improve the overall care experience for both patients and their families during challenging times.
How the AIM Program Enhances Hospital Care
The AIM program is active throughout all hospital departments and collaborates with every medical specialty. Referrals to our team can be initiated by any medical team or a patient’s family. Once involved, we prioritize understanding and addressing aspects of a patient’s care that are negatively impacting their quality of life. For some, this might involve developing a comprehensive pain management strategy. For others, it could mean providing essential spiritual or psychosocial support as patients and their families navigate the complexities of serious and potentially life-limiting illnesses. Our commitment extends to the family as well, with the goal of improving their well-being throughout the stressful hospitalization period. Essentially, the AIM program designs a personalized care plan tailored to the specific needs of each patient and their family, working in conjunction with the existing treatment team to implement this plan effectively.
Meet the AIM Team: Your Palliative Care Experts
The Advanced Illness Management Team is composed of a multidisciplinary group of professionals, including experienced physicians, skilled nurse practitioners, compassionate social workers, and dedicated chaplains. Furthermore, we frequently collaborate with Child Life specialists, psychology professionals, and other psychosocial support staff to deliver truly comprehensive and multidisciplinary care for you and your loved ones. This collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of patient and family well-being are addressed within our Aim Program Palliative Care.
Learn more about the dedicated members of our AIM team.
Is the AIM Program Right for You? Qualifying for Palliative Care
Our AIM program is designed to support patients and families dealing with chronic, complex, and/or potentially life-limiting conditions. These conditions are often accompanied by a range of challenging issues, for which palliative care can provide significant relief and support. Consider the AIM program if you or your loved one is experiencing:
- Advanced care planning needs: Guidance in making informed decisions about future healthcare.
- Burdensome symptoms: Management of distressing symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting, or seizures.
- Burdensome treatments: Support in managing the side effects and complexities of medical treatments.
- Frequent hospitalizations: Strategies to reduce hospital readmissions and improve overall stability.
- Complex care coordination: Assistance in navigating fragmented care and improving communication among multiple healthcare providers.
If you are unsure whether your child could benefit from the services offered by our AIM program palliative care, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are readily available to discuss your situation and collaboratively determine the most beneficial course of action for your child and family.
AIM Program vs. Home-Based Care and Hospice: Understanding the Differences
While palliative care services are available in both inpatient and outpatient settings, the AIM program is specifically tailored to patients who are currently hospitalized at the time of referral. Upon discharge, our team will collaborate with the patient, family, and primary care service to assess the ongoing need for palliative care. In many instances, we can facilitate access to resources for patients requiring continued support at home. The AIM program serves as a crucial bridge, ensuring seamless palliative care during hospitalization and facilitating the transition to appropriate support services post-discharge.
Learn more about Nationwide Children’s Home-Based Palliative Care Program here.
