American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine State of the Science in Hospice and Palliative Care Research Symposium

Project Summary
In response to the growing number of people living with serious and life
threatening illness, and the need to enhance the evidence base to improve clinical care,
the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) is convening the
third State of the Science (SOTS) in Hospice and Palliative Care Research Symposium
on March 2-3, 2026 in San Diego, CA. High quality clinical practice, supported by
science, for people living with serious illness (SI) across the lifespan, especially the
rising number of older adults, is critical. The number of Americans living with SI is
increasing, including those with a combination of frailty, progressive physical and/or
cognitive disabilities, multiple chronic illnesses, functional limitations,1 cancer, and
children with illnesses that benefit from palliative care. The field of palliative care is
uniquely positioned to address the needs and improve care for all people living with SI.
Robust research and expertly trained scientists are needed to address critical
knowledge gaps, which include best practices in promoting access, caregiving, and
research methodology.2 The SOTS research symposium seeks to address the trans-
NIH goal to support palliative care science across the lifespan3 by bringing together
palliative care scientists from multiple disciplines representing medicine, nursing, social
work, pharmacy, chaplaincy, rehabilitation therapy, psychology, health sciences, and
others to facilitate research dissemination, mentorship, career development, and
research collaboration to inform and address issues related to progression and
prognosis of disease and disability. Target audience includes interdisciplinary
researchers across career stages.
The SOTS Planning Committee, made up of volunteers who are considered
experts in their field, provide oversight of the planning and implantation and ensure
scientific rigor, and will prepare a peer-reviewed report summarizing presentations and
panel discussions at the research symposium. The report will examine scientific content
and methods, highlight research gaps, provide recommendations for future research,
and inform 2027 SOTS planning. The SOTS will be immediately followed by AAHPM's
Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care, co-hosted by the Hospice and
Palliative Nurses Association. This strategic scheduling makes it easier for researchers
and practitioners to attend both events, reducing costs and travel time.

Grant Number: 1R13AG099540-01
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: Katherine Ast