Rhode Island
In Rhode Island there is a long history of collaboration between the PCA and the PCO. The PCO coordinates the Primary Care Physician Advisory Committee, which has advised the Department of Health on programmatic and policy issues since 1992, and in which leadership from the PCA is actively engaged. Additionally, the PCA was awarded funding through the PCO to conduct Health Care Safety Net Provider Trainings, which were conducted on topics ranging from delivering culturally competent care to improving overall customer service. The PCA is additionally very involved in Rhode Island’s Chronic Care Collaborative, an in-state effort led by the Department of Health to assist providers in developing processes and initiatives to manage their patients with chronic disease. The collaborative was launched in 2003 and includes all of the state’s community health centers.
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
