Early initiation of PC consultation in the ED was associated with a significantly shorter LOS for patients admitted to the hospital, indicating that the patient- and family-centered benefits of PC are complemented by reduced inpatient utilization.

The large reduction in mean daily costs and LOS resulted in an estimated annual savings of $2.2 million in the study hospital. Our results extend the evidence base of financial and clinical benefits associated with inpatient PC programs. We recommend additional study of best practices for identifying patients and providing consultation services, in addition to progressive management support and reimbursement policy.

This editorial comments on the article by https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.15968.