What Consumers Want to Know About Quality When Choosing a Hospice Provider

This study drew on focus group and survey data collected in 5 metropolitan areas. The study found that consumers reported the hospice quality indicators we tested were easy to understand. Participants placed top priority on measures related to pain and symptom management. Relative to consumers with hospice experience, consumers without previous experience tended to place less value on spiritual support for patients and caregivers, emotional support for caregivers, and after-hours availability. The National Quality Forum-approved measures resonate well with consumers. Consumers also appear to be ready for access to data on the quality of hospice providers.

Source: American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine - May 8, 2015 Category: Palliative Care Authors: Smith, B., McDuff, J., Naierman, N., Kreling, B., Tein, N., Hunter, D., Deviney, M., Lynn, J. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research