Physician Knowledge and Beliefs Toward Hospice

Hospice care has existed in the United States for over 20 years yet referral rates to hospice services are still well under the 180 days allowed by the Medicare Hospice Benefit. The average length of stay in El Paso, Texas is 56.8. The aim of this study was to ascertain physician s knowledge and attitudes towards hospice referral. Issues addressed were: Physician s knowledge of patient s eligibility criteria and perception of the type of services provided by hospice. Furthermore, there was a discussion of physician s perceptions of possible barriers to hospice referrals and how those perceptions differ between physicians who refer to those who do not refer. The analysis may shed some light on how hospice providers may collaborate with physicians to provide optimum care for patients and their families.

Autorentext

Cynthia Sanchez, MPH: Estudió Salud Pública en el campus regional de la Facultad de Salud Pública del Centro de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad de Texas en El Paso, Texas. Desde el año 2000 ha sido la Coordinadora de Voluntarios de Sierra Providence La Mariposa Hospice, El Paso, Texas. Anteriormente trabajó en varios puestos gerenciales en manufactura.