The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has listed PCC as one of six national quality aims for improvement. The IOM's vision is that all health professionals will be educated to provide and deliver PCC as part of an interdisciplinary team. In 2001, the IOM report "Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century" recommends a mixture of approaches to achieve their vision . These approaches include an appropriate training environment, research, public reporting and leadership. At present, there is little evidence to support the critical role nurse clinicians' play in providing PCC and satisfying patient's needs.