Understanding palliative care benefits
Despite multiple studies citing its advantages, two-thirds of patients in the US with serious illnesses don’t opt for palliative care, according to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. Palliative care benefits include improved quality of life, better symptom management, and enhanced emotional support for patients and their families.
Palliative care, hospice care, and their benefits
Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on enhancing a person’s quality of life while receiving treatment for a serious illness, such as heart failure, cancer, or dementia.
Hospice care, on the other hand, aims at elevating a patient’s quality of life and ensuring they receive care and comfort toward their final days of life. Both types of care comprise teams of doctors, nurses, doulas, and other medical professionals.
Multiple studies, some tracing a decade ago, show that both palliative and hospice care produce excellent outcomes in patient and family satisfaction, improved symptom management, and healthcare cost reduction.
So why aren’t many Americans who could benefit greatly from palliative or hospice care still not on it?
Why Americans are missing out on palliative and end of life care options
A paper published in the National Library of Medicine found that Medicare beneficiaries spent only about 12% to 15% of their last year of life under hospice care. While various factors contribute to this, two key reasons stand out:
- Challenges in Acknowledging Mortality
Patients, families, and even physicians often struggle with accepting the inevitability of death. This reluctance can prevent timely discussions and referrals to hospice or palliative care. - Medicare’s Strict Hospice Care Criteria
Medicare, the primary payer for hospice care, requires a prognosis of six months or less for patients to qualify. Additionally, physicians must certify this prognosis, and hospices risk penalties if patients live beyond their expected time frame, discouraging early referral.
Financial Barriers to Palliative Care
When it comes to palliative care, some healthcare systems hesitate due to the financial investment required. Unlike hospice care, palliative care doesn’t have the same financial backing, and many institutions fear the return on investment might be negative. Moreover, some physicians are reluctant to recommend palliative care, mistaking it for hospice care or fearing that patients might interpret it as an indication of imminent death.
Exploring End of Life Care Options
For patients and their families, understanding and discussing end of life care options is crucial. Early conversations about palliative and hospice care can ensure that a loved one’s final days are as comfortable and supported as possible. It’s important to involve all family members in decision-making to share responsibilities and ensure everyone is aligned on the care approach.
The Path Forward
Education and legislative reform are necessary to improve access to both palliative and hospice care. Until then, it’s essential to initiate conversations with loved ones and healthcare providers about these services. Taking proactive steps can ensure that patients benefit from the comfort, dignity, and support that these care options provide.
By addressing both palliative care benefits and end of life care options, you can empower your loved ones to make informed decisions, enhancing their quality of life during critical moments.
