Differentiating Programs Versus Philosophies of Care: Palliative Care and Hospice are not Equal

Abstract

We talk about patient centered care and increasingly focus on addressing individual likes and dislikes, making sure we meet preferences with regard to diet and activity and setting individualized goals and service plans. At the same time, however, there is a tendency to label people and place them into specific programs of care, i.e, palliative care, restorative care. There are differences between philosophies of care and programs or services of care and it is important to keep those differences in mind. From a more global perspective, the philosophy of health care in general is a good example of differences between philosophies and programs. In this country, the philosophy of health care is the study of ethics, processes and people that make up themaintenance of health for Americans. The philosophy of healthcare addresses the following questions and concerns: