Student Paper: Increasing the Use of Palliative and Hospice Services

Abstract

Palliative and hospice services are underutilized as medical interventions. There is a stigma attached to these types of care. People synonymously use phrases such as “giving up” or “ending the fight” to describe palliative and hospice practices. However, research has proven many benefits to including these types of services in the care of those battling cancer regardless of how close they are to death. They can prolong life and increase quality of life at the end of life for both the patient and family. However, there are barriers to these practices that need to be addressed. Uncertain prognosis, misunderstanding of services, and difficulty initiating emotional conversations are just some of the obstacles that block the benefits of palliative and hospice care from being obtained. To increase services, the negative connotation associated with “palliative care” and “hospice care” must be overcome. Conversations about prognosis and treatment options must take place upon a cancer diagnosis. If palliative and hospice services become a standard of care initiated early on in the disease process, it will allow for the achievement of a “good death” by all.