Integrative Therapies in Hospice and Palliative Care Program

Help your patients have effective whole-person care. Gain new confidence in advising patients on integrative therapies. Increase patient and family satisfaction with your services. Help your organization be a leader in Integrative Care.

This course is a 9-course program for multidisciplinary health professionals on integrative approaches in hospice and palliative care (PC). The overall goal is to prepare learners to participate in multidisciplinary care planning by understanding the role of integrative therapies in co-managing symptoms and providing comfort, psychosocial and spiritual support. This introduction reviews the evolution of the concept of integrative care in the US, explains how integrative therapies share a similar holistic and multidimensional approach with palliative care and examines the concept of “evidence” in making informed decisions about the use of integrative therapies. Additionally, it provides an overview of the integrative approaches covered by the other courses in the program.

This course was created by the Integrative Palliative Care Institute. In a randomized controlled trial with 170 physicians, nurses, social workers, and other palliative care professionals, the program led to highly significant changes in practice behaviors that promote integrative care.

• Identify the differences between the term “alternative”, “complementary” and “integrative” in health care.
• Describe how integrative therapies can contribute to a holistic, multidimensional approach to PC.
• Explain key factors in the evaluation of scientific evidence on use of integrative therapies in PC.
• Identify the major uses of acupuncture in palliative care.
• Summarize the evidence of the effects of acupuncture on symptoms commonly seen in palliative care.
• Explain to patients or family members when asked how acupuncture works and what outcomes or benefits, they can realistically expect.
• Identify the major uses of aromatherapy in palliative care.
• Summarize the evidence of the effects of aromatherapy on symptoms commonly seen in palliative care.
• Explain to patients or family members when asked, how aromatherapy works and what outcomes or benefits they can realistically expect.
• Identify the major types of biofield therapies commonly used in palliative care.
• Summarize the evidence of the effects of biofield therapies on symptoms commonly seen in palliative care.
• Explain to patients or family members when asked, how biofield therapies work and what outcomes or benefits they can realistically expect.
• Identify the major uses of expressive arts in palliative care.
• Summarize the evidence of the effects of expressive arts interventions on symptoms commonly seen in palliative care.
• Explain to patients or family members when asked, how expressive arts interventions work and what outcomes or benefits they can realistically expect.
• Identify the major types of massage therapy and touch interventions commonly used in palliative care.
• Summarize the evidence of the effects of massage therapy and touch interventions on symptoms commonly seen in palliative care.
• Explain to patients or family members when asked, how massage therapy and touch interventions work and what outcomes or benefits they can realistically expect.
• Identify the major uses of mind-body and contemplative approaches in palliative care.
• Summarize the evidence of the effects of mind-body and contemplative approaches on symptoms commonly seen in palliative care.
• Explain to patients or family members when asked, how mind-body and contemplative approaches work and what outcomes or benefits they can realistically expect.
• Identify the major uses of movement approaches in palliative care.
• Summarize the evidence of the effects of movement approaches on symptoms commonly seen in palliative care.
• Explain to patients or family members when asked, how movement approaches work and what outcomes or benefits they can realistically expect.
• Identify organizational challenges to the implementation of integrative therapies programs in PC settings.
• Identify organizational facilitators of the implementation of integrative therapies programs in PC settings.

• Introduction to Integrative Palliative Care
• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Biofield Therapies
• Expressive Arts
• Massage and Touch Interventions
• Mind-Body and Contemplative Therapies
• Movement-Based Therapies
• Transforming the Culture of Care

To receive CE/CME credit, each participant must complete each module in sequence; partial CE/CME credit is not available. Each participant must watch all module videos, review the references and resources provided, evaluate the overall course, and request CE/CME before the expiration of their registration.

Available Credit

• 9 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
• 9 Interprofessional Continuing Education credit
• 9 Nurse Contact Hours

Joint Accreditation IPCE Credit Statement

This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 9 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.

 CNE Credit Designation Statement

NHPCO designates this enduring material for a 9 nursing contact hour(s). Nurses should claim only the contact hours commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

 CME Credit Designation Statement

NHPCO designates this enduring material for a 9 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Certificate of Participation for Non-physician Healthcare Professionals: For participants* whose disciplines are other those above may request a Certificate of Participation for Non-physician Healthcare Professionals to submit to your accrediting bodies/licensing boards for continuing education credit. This certificate will indicate this activity was certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)^TM. It is the responsibility of participants to submit the certificates to their accrediting bodies/licensing boards for approval. Unfortunately, NHPCO cannot guarantee its acceptance. To receive this certificate, you must complete all CE/CME requirements and indicate your desire to receive this certificate on the evaluation form.

Rate for Full Program: Member $499 Non-Member $599

Rate per module: Member $60 Non-Member $100

Cancellation Policy:
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to conferences@nhpco.org within 48 hours of purchase.  A $25 processing fee will apply to all cancellations. If you have accessed the course you are ineligible for a refund. Course access is for six months.