Retrospective Analysis of a Home Care Hospice Program

Abstract

This is a retrospective study of patients who died in the Overlook Hospice Home Care Program during a six-month period. Parameters to define and document quality palliative care were measured and differences between the patient population who died at home and those who died in the hospital setting were also recorded. Among the patients who died at home, there was no symptom complex which was perceived as unmanageable by the patient's family, nurse, or physician. We could not predict which patients would be able to die at home in this study. In the future, more complete documentation of patient status, specific symptoms, and whether these symptoms are relieved will be necessary.