A pilot study of palliative medicine fellows' hospice home visits

The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care
Laura K ShoemakerSusan LeGrand

Abstract

This was a prospective descriptive study of hospice physician home visits (HVs) conducted by Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellows. Our objectives were 1) to improve our knowledge of hospice care at home by describing physician HVs 2) to identify the indications for physician HVs and the problems addressed during the HV. Data was collected on 58 consecutive patients using a standardized form completed before and after the home visit. More than half of the persons were women. Most were Caucasian. Median age was 75 years; 57% had cancer; 77% were do-not-resuscitate. 76% HV occurred in the home. The median visit duration was 60 minutes; median travel distance and time 25 miles and 42 minutes, respectively. A hospice nurse case manager was present in 95%. The most common issues addressed during HVs were: health education, symptom management, and psychosocial support. Medication review was prominent. Physicians identified previously unreported issues. Symptom control was usually pain, although 27 symptoms were identified. Medications were important; all home visits included drug review and two thirds drug change. Physicians had unique responsibilities and identified important issues in the HV. Physicians provided both education an...Continue Reading

References

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Jan 19, 2010·Journal of Palliative Medicine·Debra Parker OliverStephanie Burt

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Citations

Jul 15, 2015·Journal of Pain and Symptom Management·Elaine WittenbergChristine Small Platt

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Software Mentioned

JMP
MapQuest
REDCap
REDCap ( Research Electronic Data Capture )

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