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Hospice in heart failure: why, when, and what then?
1VNA Ohio Hospice, 2500 E. 22nd St., Cleveland, OH, 44115, USA. jpspiess@wowway.com.
Heart Failure Reviews
|January 21, 2017
Summary
Hospice care improves quality of life (QOL) and satisfaction for terminally ill patients and their families. Early referral ensures appropriate patients receive this vital end-of-life support.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Geriatrics
- Oncology
Background:
- Hospice care focuses on symptom management and quality of life (QOL) for patients nearing end-of-life.
- While hospice referrals are increasing for advanced heart failure, many patients still die without this benefit.
- Medicare Hospice Benefit defines US hospice care, requiring a prognosis of 6 months or less.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the benefits and appropriate utilization of hospice care for terminally ill patients.
- To discuss prognostication tools and symptom management strategies within hospice.
- To highlight the importance of collaboration for seamless end-of-life care.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of hospice care models and Medicare regulations.
- Discussion of prognostic factors and clinical tools for patient selection.
- Overview of symptom management and deactivation of electronic cardiac devices.
Main Results:
- Hospice care is linked to high patient and caregiver satisfaction.
- Appropriate hospice referral does not appear to shorten lifespan.
- Effective symptom management and device deactivation can enhance QOL.
Conclusions:
- Hospice care offers significant benefits for patients and families facing end-of-life.
- Accurate prognostication and timely referral are crucial for hospice utilization.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration ensures comprehensive and compassionate end-of-life care.
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