University Times

UPMC recently was recognized for its program that improves the care of patients near the end of life or with life-threatening conditions. The American Hospital Association awarded UPMC with a Circle of Life Citation of Honor.

The award honors programs that strive to provide effective, patient-centered, timely, safe and efficient palliative and end-of-life care.

UPMC was selected by leaders in medicine, nursing, social work, ethics and health administration. The committee focused on innovative programs that respect patient goals and preferences, provide comprehensive care, acknowledge and address the family or caregivers’ concerns and needs, and build systems and mechanisms of support to continue the program for future patients and caregivers.