WHOOOOA! This is a SERIOUSLY SERIOUS EPISODE with powerhouses! In this episode of the VeriGeri podcast, we dive into the framework and nuances of serious illness conversations. Dr. Paige Barker, Dr. Karen Bullock, and Dr. Carine Davila cover the bread and butter of essentials in serious illness conversations but also take us through how to center on the patient with their individual experiences. We apply their foundation through a case in the middle and listen to tips about working with interpreters at the end.
Show notes: https://verigeripodcast.com/show-notes/f/serious-illness-conversations-a-patient-centered-approach
Graphic Designer & Show Notes Editor: Jai Daniels, BA Peer reviewers: Jason Lyou, MD, Shaina Fuller, MPH
Bios:
Dr. Paige Barker, MD, is a clinician educator in general internal medicine with expertise in palliative care at the University of Florida. She's passionate about teaching palliative skills and improving serious illness communication. She is the Palliative and End of Life Curriculum Director at University of Florida College of Medicine and leads the Goals of Care workgroup at UF Health.
Dr. Karen Bullock, PhD, LICSW, FGSA, APHSW-C, is a Louise McMahon Ahearn Endowed Professor at Boston College School of Social Work and Global Public Health. She is a clinical social worker with expertise in health disparities, aging, serious illness care, and palliative care. She's led numerous federal grant funded research on equity, workforce development, and health sustainability. She is the John A. Hartford Faculty Scholar and has served on numerous national boards including SWHPN and the ACS Oncology Social Work Research Peer Review Committee. She is also the steering committee member for the Duke University REACH Equity Center and an affiliate faculty at the Center to Advance Palliative Care. She received the AAHPM Richard Payne Outstanding Achievement in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award in 2024.
Dr. Carine Davila, MD, MPH, is a palliative care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital dedicated to improving access to quality care for marginalized populations. She is the equity director for the Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Care. Medicine and co created the Palliative Care Health Equity Curriculum. Dr. Davila co leads United Against Racism efforts and conducts research on improving serious illness communication for Spanish speaking patients, clinicians, and interpreters.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the Episode
00:57 – Meet Our Guest Experts
04:03 – Defining Serious Illness Conversations
08:41 – Asking Permission
10:30 – Thoughtfulness with Historically Marginalized Patients
17:12 – Brief Summary of Serious Illness Conversations
18:23 – Case One: Willie Jenkins
25:33 – Providing Recommendations Based on Patient Values
31:11 – Closing Remarks
