Differences between patients referred to hospice from academic vs. non-academic settings

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Hospice care is crucial for terminally ill patients.
• Academic medical centers are increasingly affiliating with hospices.
• Little is known about the specific needs of patients referred from academic centers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the characteristics and needs of hospice patients referred from academic versus non-academic medical centers.
• To identify differences in patient demographics, advance care planning, and healthcare needs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 1,691 hospice patients (inpatient and outpatient).
• Data collected from January 1997 to January 1999.
• Key outcome: nursing intervention needs at hospice entry.

Main Results:

• Patients from academic centers were younger, had higher incomes, and were less likely to have Medicare/Medicaid.
• These patients had fewer advance directives (Do Not Resuscitate orders, living wills).
• Patients from academic centers presented with greater medical and nursing needs upon admission.

Conclusions:

• Patients referred to hospice from academic medical centers exhibit distinct characteristics and higher care needs.
• Findings highlight potential disparities and inform policy regarding resource allocation and specialized care planning.