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The hospice movement and its implications
The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science
|December 13, 1979
Summary
Hospices offer pain relief and comfort for terminal cancer patients, addressing fear and loneliness. Their principles emphasize holistic care and reducing the stigma associated with death.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Hospices are a growing phenomenon in American healthcare.
- Originating in Britain, their integration into American medicine is under exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the principles and growing presence of hospice care in the United States.
- To assess the potential impact of hospice philosophy on American medical practices and societal views on death.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of hospice care models.
- Review of existing literature on hospice principles and their application.
Main Results:
- Hospices provide effective pain management and emotional support for terminally ill cancer patients.
- Key challenges include adapting British hospice models to the American healthcare system.
Conclusions:
- Hospice care offers a philosophical shift, aiming to destigmatize death and promote acceptance.
- The emphasis on treating the whole person has broader implications for all healthcare, moving beyond disease-focused treatment.