Question

Ms Williams underwent a lobectomy for lung cancer 6 months ago, followed by treatment with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. On her most recent visit to the oncologist, she is told that despite the treatments, there’s evidence of metastatic disease in her spine. The physician explains that there are no further treatment options, and refers Ms Williams to Hospice for continuing care.

a. What are the underlying principles of hospice?

b. To be eligible for Medicare and Medicaid Hospice benefits, what information needs to be provided by Ms Williams physician ?

c. Ms Williams has severe back pain and is concerned whether the Hospice will assist with her pain.

Answer 1

a Hospice is for caring of the patients and is available for people of all ages,religion and race.For succesful hospice care the following principles need to be followed.

• The caregiver should have a concern for all aspects of patients suffering.
• Due consideration should be given in the practice of categorizing the patients based on their medical problems.
• All cultural backgrounds should be given due importance and respected .Treatment should be planned in a culturally sensitive manner.
• The consent of the patient need to be taken and assessment of the appropriate treatment for the patient has to be taken.
• Any health care decisions taken for the patient should include the involvement of the patients family.
• Communication is an important aspect for providing quality care to the patient.
• The treatment given for the patient should be appropriate otherwise it increases the patients suffering.
• The hospice care should be such that it should be able to deliver the best possible care to the patients.

b.T o be eligible for hospice care under Medicare ,The physician seeing Mrs Williams should certify that she is terminally ill and has a prognosis of 6months or less if the disease run its normal course.He should also provide details that she did not hade a hospice election and has not recieved the pre-election hospice services.

c Mrs Williams will surely be assisted with pain management,as it is one of the primary goals of hospice care.Hospice care is mainly attributed to provide quality care and comfortability and at the same time alleviate suffering .