The experience of physicians who refer Latinos to hospice

This study explores the referral experience of physicians who refer Latinos to end-of-life care and challenges associated with the referral process. Qualitative data were collected in New Jersey through semistructured, open-ended interviews. Six physicians participated in this study: 1 oncologist, 2 internists, 1 gerontologist, and 2 infectious disease specialists. The study reveals that language barriers, level of family involvement, and generational group of the patient and the family contribute to the complexity of the physician's experience. Physicians' comments evidence the importance of culturally competent training in medical school and continued education on this topic for physicians who did not receive such training. Bilingual bicultural hospice admissions' staff available at the physician's office could enhance the referral experience.