University of Iowa Health Care leaders announced today that the Adult and Pediatric Palliative Care teams at UI Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City are now the first palliative care programs in Iowa to achieve Advanced Certification in Palliative Care from the Joint Commission.

UI Hospitals and Clinics is the ninth hospital in the nation to receive this certification. Launched in September 2011, the Joint Commission's Advanced Certification Program for Palliative Care recognizes hospital inpatient programs that demonstrate exceptional patient- and family-centered care and optimize the quality of life for patients (both adult and pediatric) with serious illness.

The Adult and Pediatric Palliative Care services at UI Hospitals and Clinics coordinate care and provide support for patients with serious illnesses. Multidisciplinary teams on each service provide comprehensive management of a patient's physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs to achieve the best possible quality of life for the patient and family.