Palliative Care is becoming increasingly recognized as an essential component of high quality, patient-centered healthcare.  Physicians in a wide variety of subspecialties are adding the palliative approach to their practices, whether by increasing requests for consultations, or by obtaining palliative skills themselves.  As such, the American Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine has seen significant growth in the number of special interest groups (SIGs) at its annual assembly.

Until now, there has not been a SIG for practitioners of Critical Care Medicine.  Yet, the data clearly shows that the Critical Care Unit is an area very likely to benefit from Palliative Care input. Joan Teno's group recently demonstrated a rise in ICU stays during the last month of life (JAMA, Feb 2013), up from 24% in 2005 to 29% in 2009.  

It's time for supporters of palliative care for critically patients and families to gather under the banner of the AAHPM to work towards better and more effective incorporation of Palliative Care practice and principles in the Intensive Care Unit.  Please join with us in this important effort.  Take a minute to complete this petition, which will allow us to achieve formal status as a Special Interest Group at the AAHPM.  See you in New Orleans!