What is Hospice?


It is often believed that Hospice and Palliative are the same, and often the misconception that entering into Hospice care is giving up on life. However, many are unaware that entering Hospice care focuses on quality of life, symptom management and improves end-of-life outcomes (Limerick, & Sutton, 2020).

Quality vs. Quantity

When there are no more options for curative treatment, the focus is on quality of life at end-of-life. Focusing on the quality of life allows patients and families to spend their precious time with those they love (Boyle, 2019). Hospice care also provides ongoing support for families for up to one year later through phone calls, visits, and cards.

Hospice care starts with a conversation.

Debunking the myths around hospice begins with a conversation (Kline, & Panosky, 2017). Some believe Hospice is a place, but Hospice care is in your home.  Home can be your private residence, a skilled nursing home, or a retirement facility. Sometimes patients who do not understand this may die in the hospital away from their loved ones. 

In addition, those who die in the hospital often do not receive the quality of care in the emergency room due to the high turnover of patients and pressures on staff related to incoming emergencies (Anderson, 2019).

References

Anderson, N. E. (2019). Death in the emergency department: A rapid review. Emergency Nurse New Zealand, 7–10.
Boyle, D. A. (2019). Nursing Care at the End of Life: Optimizing care of the family in the hospital setting. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 23(1), 13–17. https://doi.org/10.1188/19.CJON.13-17
Kline, J., & Panosky, D. (2017). Increasing the Use of Palliative and Hospice Services. International Journal for Human Caring, 21(4), 214–217. https://doi.org/10.20467/HumanCaring-D-17-00003
Limerick, M., & Sutton, M. (2020). Palliative Care. Journal of Oncology Navigation & Survivorship, 11(4), 123–124.

2 thoughts on “What is Hospice?”

  1. 001353936

    This is great. Anyone who needs information on hospice care is able to get the main points from this blog. There is evidence on both sides from hospice patients and health care staff. Also, information about having that particular conversation with someone who may benefit from hospice care. I feel this hits the main points and might be a great starting point for someone who is interested in the purpose of hospice care or who may believe hospice and palliative are the same.

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