Are Neurologists Aware of the Neurology-Specific Hospice Criteria? (P8-6.004)

Abstract

<h3>Objective:</h3> Are Neurologists Aware of Neurology-Specific Hospice Criteria? <h3>Background:</h3> The aging population has led to an increasing neurological disease burden. Neurology-specific criteria for hospice exist but awareness and utilization rates are not well-known. We surveyed neurology trainees and faculty at a single academic medical center regarding their awareness and familiarity with neurology-specific hospice criteria. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> An anonymous online survey was sent to PGY 2–4 neurology residents and faculty at the Department of Neurology across Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center and Keck Medical Center. The questionnaire asked if the provider was aware of any neurology-specific hospice criteria (yes/no) for major neurological conditions. They were also asked how often they discussed eligibility for hospice when indicated (5-point Likert scale; Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Always) and how familiar they were with any staging/performance scales for hospice (not at all, slightly, somewhat, moderately, extremely). Proportions of answers were recorded. <h3>Results:</h3> 22 out of 65 (33.8%) providers responded to the survey. 63.6% were faculty. 40.9% were aware of any neurology-specific hospice criteria. Top 5 conditions that providers thought had hospice criteria used by Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services were Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (86.4%), Alzheimer’s Dementia (68.2%), Parkinson’s Disease (63.6%), Stroke (45.5%), and Muscular Dystrophy (45.5%). 22.7% of providers often or always initiated discussion on hospice when indicated. 9.1% were moderately or extremely familiar while 68.2% were not at all familiar with any staging or performance scales for hospice. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Less than half of Neurology trainees and faculty were aware of any neurology-specific hospice criteria while less than one tenth were at most moderately familiar with any staging or performance scales for hospice. A larger study is needed to determine the familiarity and utilization hospice screening tools. Dedicated educational tools for neurologists can be useful. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Oh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stuart has nothing to disclose. Dr. Matta has nothing to disclose. Dr. Liang has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Sung has received research support from NIH. Dr. Hui has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Sunovion. Dr. Hui has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Sunovion. The institution of Dr. Hui has received research support from Roche. The institution of Dr. Hui has received research support from Abbvie. Dr. Hui has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Roundtable speaker with Medscape .