Table 3.

National Consensus Project domains and guidelines

NCP domain	NCP guidelines
Domain 1: Structure and processes of care	Interdisciplinary care Care plan based on patient and family preferences, goals of care, and values Add trained and supervised volunteers Support interdisciplinary education, training, and professional development Develops, implements, and maintains ongoing data with a focus on palliative care outcomes Develop and promote community palliative care resources for use across the care continuum
Domain 2: Physical aspects of care	Pain and symptoms are assessed and managed by the interdisciplinary team, using evidence-based practice
Domain 3: Psychological and psychiatric aspects	This care is provided by an interdisciplinary team A grief and bereavement program must be made available to patients and families, based on their need
Domain 4: Social aspects of care	Interdisciplinary team assesses and manages social aspects of care Interdisciplinary assessment that identifies social strengths, needs, and goals
Domain 5: Spiritual, religious, and existential aspects of care	Interdisciplinary team assesses and manages spiritual, religious, and existential aspects of care Spiritual assessment is performed Religious, spiritual, and cultural rituals are honored, especially at and after the time of death
Domain 6: Cultural aspects of care	Palliative care is provided in a culturally and linguistically sensitive manner
Domain 7: Care of the patient at the end of life	Interdisciplinary team identifies and manages signs and symptoms of impending death, assessing not only physical needs but also psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural needs Provides respectful postdeath care Activates an immediate bereavement care plan for the family
Domain 8: Ethical and legal aspects of care	Person-centered goals of care are respected Palliative care team recognizes complex ethical issues within this care Provision of care is in accordance with professional, state, and federal laws

NCP: National Consensus Project