[From the hospice movement to palliative medicine]

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care and Hospice Medicine
• Oncology and Cancer Research
• Healthcare Management

Context:

• The modern hospice movement, originating in the 1960s, prioritizes holistic patient care but has historically underemphasized research.
• Hospices face strategic challenges due to an anticipated 35-40% increase in cancer incidence by 2010.
• There is a growing need for enhanced knowledge and services for patients with limited life expectancy.

Purpose:

• To highlight the critical need for increased research in hospice and palliative care.
• To advocate for strategic goal clarification within the hospice movement.
• To emphasize the importance of adapting services to meet future patient demographic shifts.

Summary:

• The hospice movement requires a renewed focus on research and strategic planning to address the increasing demand for palliative care.
• Integrating multidisciplinary teams and enhancing palliative medicine education are essential for improving care for dying patients.
• The establishment of palliative care units, like the one in Trondheim, should be replicated across Norwegian university hospitals.

Impact:

• Increased research will improve understanding and treatment of patients with limited life expectancy.
• Enhanced palliative care services will better address the physical, emotional, social, and psychological needs of dying patients.
• Expanding palliative medicine education and specialized units will ensure better preparedness for future healthcare demands.