Advancing End-of-Life Care: Lessons Learned from a Statewide Panel

Abstract

The Florida Panel for the Study of End-of-Life Care was an innovative and effective approach to the formulation of end-of-life (EOL) policy recommendations that significantly influenced the legislative process and resulted in new EOL legislation. The lessons from this panel's experience are useful to other states considering legislative changes in their EOL policies. Key to the success of the EOL panel was its heterogeneous membership that allowed the collaboration of policy makers, clinicians, ethicists, citizens, and other stakeholders. Also, crucial to the success of the panel were the dimensions of the deliberative process embraced by the panel. This process supported an impressive level of mutual respect, trust, and openness among the panel members that, with only minor exceptions, allowed the members of the panel to rise above the parochial political battles that have often preempted serious debate on controversial EOL issues. The recommendations of the EOL panel led to new state laws on EOL care and improvements in public awareness, professional education, and clinical protocols for implementing patients' wishes. Another major but largely unforeseen consequence of the EOL panel was the development of significant new working alliances among members and organizations. These alliances led to new projects on EOL care and have significantly improved communication and working relationships between organizations and individuals committed to improving EOL care.