Hospice Care Education for Patients and Families

This chapter provides a primer on hospice care, emphasizing the importance of healthcare providers having a good understanding of hospice care and being able to provide patients and their families with a comprehensive overview. The chapter provides sample language that can be used to provide education to patients and families about hospice care, covering the philosophy of hospice care, the approach to hospice care, the options for location, and the cost considerations for hospice care. It also addresses common misconceptions about hospice care and provides essential hospice facts to clear up any misunderstandings. Additionally, the chapter provides guidance on how to approach the difficult question of prognostication with patients and families.