Understanding Hospice and Palliative Care

Registration


The cost for this online course is $15. The estimated time to complete this on-demand course is 50 minutes. Learners will be asked to complete an activity post-assessment with a passing score of 75%.

Before enrolling in this educational activity, you must log in or create an account.

Once you register for the course, you will have 30 days from the date of enrollment to complete the course. The date your access expires will be indicated in the Course Summary box on this webpage.
 

Target Audience

Healthcare professionals.

Educational Need

Healthcare professionals frequently care for patients with serious illnesses who experience complex physical symptoms, psychosocial challenges, and difficult treatment decisions. Despite the growing need for hospice and palliative care services, clinicians may have limited training in recognizing appropriate referrals, managing symptoms, conducting goals-of-care conversations, and distinguishing between palliative care and hospice.

This session addresses the need for healthcare professionals to strengthen their understanding of evidence-based hospice and palliative care principles, improve communication with patients and families, and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams to provide compassionate, person-centered care that enhances quality of life and supports informed decision-making.

Learning Objectives

  1. Differentiate palliative care from hospice based on purpose, timing, eligibility, and treatment goals.
  2. Identify when palliative care or hospice may be appropriate for a patient.
  3. Describe how interdisciplinary, patient-centered care supports quality of life, comfort, and dignity.
  4. Apply effective communication principles to support informed decisions and timely referrals.

Speakers

Patty Nance, RN
Hospice Case Manager, WesleyLife

Aimee Spores, LMSW
Director of Hospice and Palliative Care, WesleyLife

Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Recording date: October 15, 2026
Date of original release: October 15, 2026
Most recent review/update: October 15, 2026
Termination date: October 14, 2028

Course summary

Available credit: 
  • 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • 0.75 AOA 2-­B
  • 0.75 CE Contact Hour(s)
  • 0.75 Podiatry
  • 0.75 Nursing Contact Hour(s)
Course opens: 
10/15/2026
Course expires: 
10/14/2028
Cost:
$15.00

Accreditation Statements

  • DO: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this activity for a maximum of 0.75 AOA Category 2-B credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.
  • DPM: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education as a provider of continuing education in podiatric medicine. DMU has approved this activity for a maximum of 0.75 continuing education contact hours.
  • MD: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS). Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the IMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this enduring materials activity for 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • Nurses: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has determined that this activity meets the requirements for 0.75 contact hours as defined by the Iowa Board of Nursing and Iowa Administrative Code 481-619.
  • Other healthcare providers: This activity is designated for 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.

Educational Grants

No ineligible company provided financial support for this continuing education activity. 

Disclosures

The speaker(s) will disclose if any pharmaceuticals, medical procedures, or devices discussed are investigational or unapproved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The activity director is responsible for determining educational content and selecting speakers. 

Relevant to the content of this educational activity, the following individual(s) have no conflict(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Patty Nance, RN - Speaker
  • Aimee Spores, LMSW - Speaker

Disclaimer

The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only. It is not a substitute for a healthcare provider's independent medical judgment regarding diagnostic and treatment options for a specific patient's medical condition. 

Available Credit

  • 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • 0.75 AOA 2-­B
  • 0.75 CE Contact Hour(s)
  • 0.75 Podiatry
  • 0.75 Nursing Contact Hour(s)

Price

Cost:
$15.00
Please login or Create an Account to take this course.