Caregivers, providers view short enrollment differently
Although hospice providers say hospice enrollments of less than two weeks are inadequate for symptom control and counseling support for the family, patients' families don't view short enrollments in the same way.
A study published in Palliative and Supportive Care shows that although providers view a short admission as chaotic, most family caregivers focused on the positive assistance and support they received from the hospice providers.1
The study was conducted in two phases with Phase I surveying hospice staff members and Phase II interviewing family members of patients who died from cancer within two weeks of hospice admission. Factors such as physical and emotional resources and informational needs that families need to cope with the process were evaluated from both perspectives.
Hospice professionals primarily described the psychosocial dynamics from a deficit perspective and in terms that illuminate distress and urgency, according to the author. Rather than focus on the urgency, family caregivers' perspectives focused more on the significant need for assistance, powerful emotions, and communication.
The author suggests that an assessment tool designed specifically for short admissions can help hospice providers quickly identify the immediate needs of the family. Being able to prepare for care that might involve only a few visits will help clinicians and family members feel like the short stay is less chaotic.
Reference
1. Waldrop DF, Rinfrette ES. Can short hospice enrollment be long enough? Comparing the perspectives of hospice professional and family caregivers. Palliat Support Care 2009; 7:37-47.
Although hospice providers say hospice enrollments of less than two weeks are inadequate for symptom control and counseling support for the family, patients' families don't view short enrollments in the same way.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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