Examining the Role of Primary Care Physicians and Challenges Faced When Their Patients Transition to Home Hospice Care

Abstract

Background:

The transition into home hospice care is often a critical time in a patient’s medical care. Studies have shown patients and caregivers desire continuity with their physicians at the end of life (EoL). However, it is unclear what roles primary care physicians (PCPs) play and what challenges they face caring for patients transitioning into home hospice care.

Objectives:

To understand PCPs’ experiences, challenges, and preferences when their patients transition to home hospice care.

Design:

Nineteen semi-structured phone interviews with PCPs were conducted. Study data were analyzed using standard qualitative methods.

Participants:

Participants included PCPs from 3 academic group practices in New York City.

Measured:

Physician recordings were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis.

Results:

Most PCPs noted that there was a discrepancy between their actual role and ideal role when their patients transitioned to home hospice care. Primary care physicians expressed a desire to maintain continuity, provide psychosocial support, and collaborate actively with the hospice team. Better establishment of roles, more frequent communication with the hospice team, and use of technology to communicate with patients were mentioned as possible ways to help PCPs achieve their ideal role caring for their patients receiving home hospice care.

Conclusions:

Primary care physicians expressed varying degrees of involvement during a patient’s transition to home hospice care, but many desired to be more involved in their patient’s care. As with patients, physicians desire to maintain continuity with their patients at the EoL and solutions to improve communication between PCPs, hospice providers, and patients need to be explored.