As physicians start to see many of the baby boomers reach a stage of life where they will need palliative or hospice care, it is important that they understand the differences to look for in these patients, proper communication tools and the impacts that quality end-of-life care can have on the patient and family members. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Compare and contrast palliative care versus hospice care
2. Identify the characteristics of patients who might benefit from palliative care and hospice care
3. Introduce a validated communication tool to use with patients with serious illness to better understand their goals, worries and wishes
4. Discuss the impact that quality end-of-life care can have