The costs of a pediatric hospice program

Area of Science:

• Health Economics
• Palliative Care
• Pediatric Healthcare

Background:

• Existing literature on hospice care economics presents unanswered questions regarding financial attractiveness for patients and families.
• Home-based hospice care, especially for pediatric patients, requires a detailed understanding of associated costs and payment structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the costs and payment mechanisms of a home-based pediatric hospice program.
• To develop a generalizable cost model for other institutions considering similar hospice programs.
• To identify financial impediments affecting patient and family decisions regarding hospice care.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of provider utilization and program duration for 177 pediatric patients.
• Prospective data collection on incidental and indirect costs from 27 families.
• Development of a cost model applicable to various healthcare settings.

Main Results:

• Insurance coverage presents a significant obstacle for families considering home-based hospice care.
• Publicly funded patients face particular challenges with insurance coverage for hospice services.
• The study provides a framework for understanding and addressing the economic aspects of hospice care.

Conclusions:

• Improving insurance coverage is crucial for making home-based hospice care financially viable and accessible.
• Addressing economic barriers is essential for increasing the utilization of hospice services.
• The developed cost model can assist healthcare providers in planning and implementing hospice programs.