COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF HOSPICE CARE

The clinical and economic development of hospice in the United States is discussed. The categories and distribution of expenditures for hosp ice care of the dying are outlined. Economic principles useful to the analysis of health programs are introduced. A review of the strongest studies regarding the cost and benefits of hospice care for the dying is then provided. The article concludes that hospice offers care that differs substantially from conventional oncologic care of dying people with cancer, and is either neutral or mildly cost-saving in its influ ence on health care costs.