Evaluation of the cost effectiveness of a collaborative liaison program

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Palliative Care
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The current healthcare landscape necessitates innovative strategies for hospice care.
• Hospice organizations face challenges in patient access and referral management.
• A metropolitan hospice association sought to address these issues through collaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a collaborative hospital liaison program developed by a hospice association.
• To assess the program's impact on referral sources, patient access, and hospice sustainability.
• To provide recommendations for future collaborative hospice initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A study involving five participating hospices.
• Analysis of referral data, including numbers, sources, and appropriateness.
• Evaluation of patient admissions, liaison staff expenses, and inter-staff relations.

Main Results:

• The program aimed to educate and maximize referral sources.
• It sought to improve patient access to hospice services.
• Data analysis focused on referrals, admissions, costs, and relationships.

Conclusions:

• The collaborative program was developed to ensure the long-term survival of hospice care.
• Further collaborative efforts are recommended based on the study's findings.
• The program addressed key challenges in hospice service delivery.