[Home-based hospice-palliative patient care in light of changing needs and challenges]

Introduction: Hospice-palliative care plays a prominent role in preparing terminally ill patients for a dignified end of life and improving their quality of life. In Hungary, the organizational and financing structure of hospice services has been continuously evolving in recent decades in response to the needs of society and the healthcare system. The annual reports aim to analyze the development and challenges of hospice-palliative care, paying special attention to the quality of patient care. Aim: One of the objectives was to review the situation of home-based hospice and palliative care in 2024, highlighting changes in organizational structures, types of patient care, and financing models. Furthermore, we aimed to identify the growing demand for services and the challenges facing the sector. Method: During the research, we used official statistical data published annually by the Hungarian Hospice-Palliative Association and the National Health Insurance Fund, which provide detailed information on the number of hospice institutions, the composition of home care activities, and the related financing mechanisms. Using the Content Diversity Index (CDI), we quantified the professional complexity of the service structure and explored differences at the county level. We compared the results of the care complexity index with the international Interdisciplinary Care Score (ICS) indicators and with European results. Results: The changes and challenges observed in 2024 clearly reflect the increasing demand for services. According to the analysis, although the number of hospice institutions has increased, the proportion of home-based care unfortunately shows a declining trend. The professional structure varies significantly from county to county, and psychosocial services are typically underrepresented. Conclusion: Hospice and palliative care are continuously developing; however, in light of changing needs and growing professional burdens, further development is required, particularly in the area of financing. Ensuring adequate resources is of paramount importance for the long-term sustainability of hospice services and for improving quality. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(44): 1746–1753.