The Visiting Nurse Association of Northern NJ (VNANNJ) is intensifying efforts to increase public understanding of hospice care, which remains significantly underutilized despite being available for over four decades in the United States. Specialized hospice care for patients with life-limiting illnesses continues to reach only a fraction of those who could benefit from its services.
Faith F. Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer of VNANNJ, emphasized the organization's commitment to fostering greater understanding about hospice care. "We're committed to leading a compassionate but candid dialogue about this sensitive topic that will foster greater understanding and dispel some lingering myths," Scott stated. "This is necessary because while countless people benefit from hospice assistance every day many qualified patients and their loved ones are missing opportunities to receive meaningful, multidisciplinary hospice services."
Current statistics reveal troubling patterns in hospice utilization. Despite studies demonstrating that hospice care can improve and extend the final phase of life, and despite most patients being eligible for six months or more of hospice care, the median length of time spent in hospice is just 18 days. Approximately 20% of patients are enrolled less than four days before death according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Hospice Monitoring Report available at https://www.cms.gov.
These statistics reflect the profound difficulty patients and families face in acknowledging that life has entered its final phase. Medical professionals also contribute to this challenge, with many physicians avoiding or delaying hospice referrals. A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) noted that "Death is the ultimate inconvenient truth, a conversation far too many doctors still go out of their way to avoid." The complete study can be accessed at https://jamanetwork.com.
Scott highlighted several critical misconceptions about hospice that contribute to underutilization. "We encourage everyone to know some fundamental facts about hospice before a need arises in their own family," she said. "For instance, many are unaware that hospice is a life-affirming service and its purpose is not to hasten death. Also, patients or loved ones designated to make their care decisions can request hospice if a doctor hesitates to make a referral."
The continuity of care provided by full-service home health organizations like VNANNJ offers additional benefits. When home care is prescribed for serious, prolonged illnesses or uncertain prognoses, these organizations can seamlessly transition patients from standard care to supportive palliative care and hospice when necessary. This continuity significantly reduces stress, discomfort, and inconvenience for both patients and family caregivers. More information about comprehensive care options is available at https://vnannj.org.
The implications of hospice underutilization extend beyond individual patients to affect entire healthcare systems and communities. When patients receive hospice care for only brief periods, they miss opportunities for comprehensive pain management, emotional support, and improved quality of life during their final days. Families likewise lose access to counseling, practical assistance, and bereavement support that hospice provides.
This awareness initiative addresses a critical gap in healthcare education that affects how Americans approach end-of-life decisions. By improving understanding of hospice services and eligibility requirements, more patients and families can make informed choices that align with their values and preferences during life's most challenging transitions.
