California Hospice Ownership Changes From 2018-2020: A Spatial Analysis and Case Illustration
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.California hospices experienced complex ownership shifts, mainly driven by for-profit entities. Limited public data on these changes hinders informed decision-making for hospice care.
Area Of Science
- Healthcare Management
- Health Services Research
- Palliative Care
Background
- California hospices have faced substantial ownership changes recently.
- The impact of these ownership transitions on hospice services remains largely unexamined.
- Understanding these shifts is crucial for stakeholders in end-of-life care.
Purpose Of The Study
- To describe the nature and extent of ownership changes in California hospices between 2018 and 2021.
- To analyze the characteristics of hospices that underwent ownership changes.
- To identify factors contributing to these ownership dynamics.
Main Methods
- A longitudinal, retrospective descriptive study design was employed.
- Publicly available data from the California Home Health Agencies and Hospice Annual Utilization Report were utilized.
- Descriptive statistics were used to analyze hospice characteristics, ownership changes, and spatial data.
Main Results
- Ownership changes in California hospices were significant and intricate during the study period.
- A notable increase in for-profit organizations entering the California hospice market was observed.
- Definitive, comprehensive public data on for-profit hospice ownership is scarce due to limited corporate financial disclosure and voluntary reporting.
Conclusions
- The influx of for-profit organizations complicates the hospice landscape in California.
- Lack of accessible, comprehensive ownership data impedes informed choices for providers and families.
- This study highlights critical implications for clinical practice, research, and policy in hospice care, particularly for pediatric patients.
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