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A survey of complementary therapy services provided by hospices
1Department of Health Services, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, New York 10468, USA. cdemmer@lehman.cuny.edu
Journal of Palliative Medicine
|September 9, 2004
Summary
Most US hospices offer complementary therapies like massage and music. However, barriers such as funding and staffing limit their use, requiring solutions for wider patient access to these services.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Complementary therapies are increasingly recognized for their role in supportive care.
- Hospice care aims to improve quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the provision and utilization of complementary therapies in US hospices.
- To identify barriers and gather suggestions for enhancing these services.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was mailed to 300 randomly selected hospices nationwide.
- Data collected on therapy types, utilization, staffing, and obstacles.
Main Results:
- 60% of 169 responding hospices offered complementary therapies.
- Massage and music therapy were most common.
- Barriers included funding, staffing, knowledge gaps, and resistance.
Conclusions:
- While complementary therapies are offered, their utilization is limited by significant operational and systemic challenges.
- Addressing these obstacles is crucial for expanding access to complementary care in hospice settings.