Healing the Heart: Feasibility of a “High-Touch” Model of a Community-Based Palliative Care Program for Patients with Advanced Heart Failure (S750)

on communication in the older adult patients they care for. Understand that rates of formal training and knowledge about hearing loss management is low. Original Research Background. Age-related hearing loss can impair patient-provider communication about symptom management, goals of care, and endof-life decision making. Research Objectives. To determine whether hospice and palliative care providers screen for or received training about hearing loss, believe it impacts patient care, and use strategies to optimize communication. Methods. National survey of hospice andpalliative care providers. Survey questions were pilot-tested with multidisciplinary providers in San Francisco. We solicited responses via emails to professional contacts and AAHPM members, the GeriPal blog, twitter, and Facebook. Responses were collected using an online survey tool. Results. Of 510 responses (55% age 50+, 65% female, 63% inpractice 5+ years, 55%practice primarily in inpatient/outpatient palliative care, 45% in hospice), 315 were physicians, 50 nurses, 48 NPs, 58 social workers, and 39 chaplains. Ninety-one percent reported that hearing loss has some or great impact on the quality of care for older adults. Eighty-eight percent recalled a specific instance of hearing loss impairing communication with a patient, and 56% remembered it impairing communication with a caregiver. Eighty-seven percent of physicians, nurses, and NPs reported not screening for hearing loss. While 62% felt comfortable with their communication skills for patients with hearing loss, only 21% reported receiving formal training in its management, 31%were unfamiliar with resources for patients with hearing loss, and 38%had never heard of a pocket talker amplification device. Conclusion. Hospice and palliative medicine providers believe age-related hearing loss impacts care, yet most do not screen. While they feel they are managingwell, fewhave formal training, and knowledge about management approaches and resources is sub-optimal. Implications for Research, Policy or Practice. The lack of research in this area is glaring relative to its importance. Universal screening should be considered. Training in management strategies is needed.