MGMA Mindful Medicine: Dr. Andrea Sankar on Navigating the Complexities of End-of-Life Care

In the latest episode of the MGMA Mindful Medicine Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Dr. Andrea Sankar, a medical anthropologist and co-author of the newly released third edition of Dying at Home: A Family Guide for Caregiving. Dr. Sankar discusses the evolution of end-of-life care, including the challenges faced by family caregivers and the crucial role medical practices can play in supporting patients and their loved ones during this sensitive time.Key Takeaways:Dr. Sankar's journey into end-of-life care research was shaped by her experiences studying community-based care for the elderly in China and witnessing the challenges of caregiving during the AIDS epidemic.The third edition of Dying at Home reflects the significant changes in end-of-life care, including the increasing prevalence of frail patients living longer and the expanded availability of sophisticated home-based care due to advancements in medical technology and the TEFRA Act.Family caregivers often face significant emotional and physical burdens, and medical practitioners must better understand these strains to provide adequate support for caregivers.Medical practices can play a crucial role in supporting family caregivers by providing resources and guidance on community services and volunteer organizations, as well as facilitating communication and decision-making within the family.Comprehensive training and education for both caregivers and volunteers is essential, as many healthcare providers may not have firsthand experience with the realities of end-of-life care.The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for medical practices to be prepared for future crises that could disrupt end-of-life care, such as by planning for remote care delivery and addressing infection control measures.Dr. Sankar emphasizes the importance of caregivers doing their best and not being too hard on themselves, as providing end-of-life care is an immensely challenging yet meaningful experience.Resources:Dying at Home: A Family Guide for CaregivingMGMA Resources:MGMA StatAsk an AdvisorMGMA ConferencesMGMA ConsultingWe Want to Hear From You:Let us know if there's a topic you want us to cover, an expert you would like us to interview, or if you'd like to appear on an MGMA podcast. Email us at:Daniel Williams: [email protected] Reaves: [email protected] Luckett: [email protected] you for tuning in to the MGMA Podcast Network. Please subscribe and leave us a review. See you next time! This episode is sponsored by ModMed. Every denied claim costs time and money to rework — for care you’ve already delivered. While payers sharpen their own AI tools, ModMed RCM Services pairs seasoned billing specialists with AI designed to help flag claims at risk before they go out the door, so your team can fix issues upfront instead of appealing after the fact. Learn more here.