CHARACTERIZATION OF AN ACUTE INPATIENT HOSPICE PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT IN A US TEACHING HOSPITAL

An existing hospice palliative care inpatient unit was studied from Se ptember 1993 to November 1993 to characterize it for two qualities: de mographics of admitted patients and family satisfaction after discharg e. The purpose of this study was to identify current uses of the unit and determine whether the high level of satisfaction among family memb ers. as perceived by the staff, was accurate. To characterize demograp hics, 100 consecutive admissions to the unit were assessed. prospectiv ely beginning in September 1993. To characterize family satisfaction, a survey was sent to the families of 240 patients who had been cared f or on the inpatient unit. Since this study, it has been identified tha t care on the hospice palliative care unit is provided at a 50% reduct ion in daily hospital charges. The hospital has benefited from establi shing and maintaining an acute care inpatient hospice palliative care unit. Other academic medical centers in the United Slates should consi der a designated unit for symptom management and terminal care as part of their comprehensive services.