Article Sections

Introduction

Hospice is a specialized model of care designed to optimize comfort and quality of life for patients who are terminally ill and have a prognosis of ≤6 months.  It focuses on comprehensive symptom management (eg, pain control, dyspnea relief) as well as psychological, spiritual, and bereavement support.  Hospice care is provided by a multidisciplinary team that comprises nurses, social workers, chaplains, and a coordinating hospice physician.  Although most patients receive hospice services at home, care can also be provided in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, or dedicated inpatient hospice centers.

Principles of hospice care

Hospice care emphasizes interventions to alleviate suffering, maximize quality of life, and allow death with dignity.  Hospice is a holistic model of care that involves several key principles:

  • Focus on comfort, not cure

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