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Hospice and primary care physicians: attitudes, knowledge, and barriers
Karen Ogle1, Brian Mavis, Tammy Wang
1Program in Palliative Care Education and Research, and Department of Family Practice, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care
|February 6, 2003
Summary
Primary care physicians have positive attitudes toward hospice care but cite patient readiness as a key barrier to referrals. Collaboration is needed to improve end-of-life care access.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Underuse of hospice services is a significant issue in the U.S.
- Primary care physicians (PCPs) are a growing referral source and potential barriers to hospice utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine PCPs' attitudes, knowledge, and perceived benefits and barriers regarding hospice care.
- To identify factors influencing PCP referrals to hospice services.
Main Methods:
- A mail survey was conducted with 131 primary care physicians.
- Response rate was 72 percent.
- The survey assessed attitudes, knowledge, perceived benefits, and barriers to hospice care.
Main Results:
- Physicians exhibited highly favorable attitudes toward hospice.
- Knowledge about hospice was generally accurate, with uncertainty more common than error.
- Patient and family readiness was identified as the primary barrier to earlier hospice referrals.
- Some PCPs expressed concerns regarding interactions with hospice providers.
Conclusions:
- PCPs are well-disposed towards hospice, with knowledge gaps being minor.
- Addressing patient/family readiness and improving PCP-hospice interaction are crucial for enhancing hospice utilization.
- Findings support collaborative initiatives to improve end-of-life care through better PCP-hospice integration.