Disruptions in Home Hospice Care due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract

Background: There is limited evidence regarding the challenges of providing hospice care to those dying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To describe the challenges of home hospice care and the specific types of disruptions in care processes experienced by patients and families. Design: Qualitative study of the electronic medical record notes of a large New York City (NYC) home-based primary care program. Setting/Subjects: Subjects were 58 patients referred to hospice who died during the initial NYC COVID-19 surge from March to June 2020. Results: We identified six domains of disruptions in home hospice care: delayed hospice enrollment, inability to conduct home visits, lack of needed supplies, communication failures, strained caregivers, and limitations of telehealth. Conclusions: This study provides a critical first analysis of disruptions in home hospice care that can feasibly be addressed and must be prioritized by hospices throughout the ongoing pandemic and in advance of future emergencies.