"The Talk:" Discussing Hospice Care.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Palliative Care
• Hospice Care

Background:

• Referral of advanced cancer patients to hospice is increasingly critical for oncologists.
• Hospice care offers high-quality, high-value support for patients and families facing terminal cancer.
• There is a need to shift the perception of hospice from "giving up" to "giving more, but differently."

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a communication strategy for oncologists to facilitate timely hospice referrals.
• To integrate oncology, palliative, and hospice services for optimal patient and family support.

Main Methods:

• The report frames a communication approach for oncologists.
• It emphasizes the complementary strengths of various care providers.

Main Results:

• A communication framework can help oncologists identify and refer appropriate patients.
• Collaborative care models enhance the meaningfulness of care for patients and families.

Conclusions:

• Oncologists can adopt a communication strategy to improve hospice referrals.
• Integrating oncology, palliative, and hospice care maximizes benefits for patients and families during end-of-life.
• This collaborative approach redefines hospice as an enhancement of care, not an endpoint.