HEALTH AND BEAUTY CLOSE-UP-10 October 2008-Vitas Innovative Hospice Care Sponsors Program on Caring for African Americans(C)2008 - CloseUpMedia - newsdesk@closeupmedia.com

A continuing education program providing clinical training and insight into caring for African Americans at the end

Designed for those working with African American patients and families facing serious illness in hospitals, hospices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and office-based settings, APPEAL (A Progressive Palliative Care Educational Curriculum for the Care of African Americans at Life's End) will be conducted by the Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life and is sponsored locally by Vitas Innovative Hospice Care of St. Louis.

"Caring for African Americans at the end of life requires insight into traditions, culture and spirituality," says Alan D. Smith, Vitas director of market development. "Participants will leave this training with increased palliative care knowledge and skills as well as greater confidence and ability to communicate with African American patients and their families."

The one- and a half-day program is open to physicians, nurses, social workers, medical chaplains and other clergy, psychologists, counselors, hospice and hospital administrators, pharmacists and family caregivers. Continuing education credits will be awarded.

Vitas Innovative Hospice Care is a provider of end-of-life care.

Event Information:www.iceol.duke.edu

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