OasisLMS

Abstract
Until there is a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), it is imperative that everyone facing this devastating illness receives care to alleviate symptoms and suffering and improve quality of life. Emerging evidence has demonstrated benefits of palliative care for people with ALS, but palliative care is not yet widely available or accessed by people with ALS throughout the disease course. The Palliative Care for ALS Working Group was formed within the International Neuropalliative Care Society, consisting of interprofessional ALS and palliative care clinicians, researchers, advocates, and patients and care partner representatives who are committed to improving palliative care for people living with ALS. The group engaged in a strategic planning process to determine what is needed to advance palliative care for people with ALS over the next 3–5 years. This report outlines the core recommendations from that strategic planning process. Recommendations are divided into five sections: (1) clinician education, (2) clinical service expansion, (3) research, (4) public awareness, and (5) policy change. The aim of this report is to provide ALS and palliative care clinicians, researchers, ALS advocacy organizations, and funders with a road map of priority areas where dedicated focus could significantly advance palliative care for people facing ALS, with the goals of relieving suffering and improving quality of life. The Palliative Care for ALS Working Group is making concrete steps toward these priority areas and will continue to serve as a convening and coordinating body for this work.

Objectives: The objectives of this activity are to: (1) Understand the current state of palliative care for people with ALS in the United States. (2) Assess what is needed in the coming years to advance the practice and our evidence base regarding palliative care for ALS. (3) Consider concrete steps that ALS and palliative care clinicians, researchers, advocates, funders, and other stakeholders can take to contribute to progress in this area.

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
The AANEM is accredited by the American Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to providing continuing education for physicians. AANEM designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Dr. Pantilat has served as a consultant to InflectionIQ, has received honoraria from the Cambia Health Foundation and The Governance Institute, and has received royalties from McGraw-Hill. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest.. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated according to Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education standards.