Evaluation of the cost effectiveness of a collaborative liaison program

In response to today's health care environment, a metropolitan area association of hospices developed a collaborative hospital liaison program to educate and maximize referral sources, improve patient access to services and assist in ensuring the long-term survival of hospice care. Five hospices participated in the study, analyzing data on the numbers, sources and appropriateness of referrals and admissions, liaison staff expense and hospice relations with hospital staff. Recommendations were made for further collaborative efforts.