Hospice Services

Hospice Services

Category / Primary Body System

• Palliative Care

Problem

• Patient is on comfort measures and receiving Hospice services.

Goal

• Patient and/or family member will participate in services, including evaluation and treatment, for the next 90 days.

Plan/Approach

1. Emotional and Psychological Support

   • Encourage verbalization of feelings regarding Hospice services as needed to provide emotional support and address concerns.
   • Encourage family visitations as appropriate to support both the patient and family members emotionally.

2. Social Services and Consultation

   • Arrange social service consults as needed to assist with emotional, social, and practical support.

3. Medication Management

   • Administer medications as ordered to manage symptoms and ensure patient comfort.
   • Provide pain medication as ordered to ensure the patient's pain is well-controlled.

4. Hospice and Palliative Services

   • Deliver hospice services as ordered, ensuring the patient receives comprehensive palliative care.

5. Activity and Engagement

   • Encourage participation in diversional activities to enhance quality of life and provide meaningful engagement.

6. Medical Monitoring and Communication

   • Notify MD/RNP of any changes in medical condition to promptly address any emerging health concerns.

Rationale

1. Emotional and Psychological Support

   • Verbalizing feelings helps in addressing emotional distress and provides an outlet for the patient and family to express their concerns.

2. Social Services and Consultation

   • Social services provide critical support for emotional, social, and practical needs, enhancing overall well-being.

3. Medication Management

   • Proper administration of medications ensures symptom management and pain control, crucial for maintaining comfort.

4. Hospice and Palliative Services

   • Comprehensive hospice services ensure all aspects of palliative care are addressed, providing holistic support.

5. Activity and Engagement

   • Participating in activities helps maintain a sense of normalcy and improves the patient's quality of life.

6. Medical Monitoring and Communication

   • Prompt communication with healthcare providers ensures timely intervention for any changes in the patient's condition.

Actions

1. Emotional and Psychological Support

   • Encourage the patient and family to express their feelings and concerns about Hospice services.
   • Facilitate family visits and provide a supportive environment for these interactions.

2. Social Services and Consultation

   • Coordinate social service consults to provide emotional and practical support to the patient and family.

3. Medication Management

   • Administer prescribed medications regularly and as needed, documenting administration and any side effects.
   • Assess pain levels frequently and adjust pain management strategies as needed.

4. Hospice and Palliative Services

   • Ensure all ordered hospice services are provided, coordinating with the hospice team.

5. Activity and Engagement

   • Encourage the patient to engage in diversional activities that are enjoyable and appropriate for their condition.

6. Medical Monitoring and Communication

   • Monitor the patient's medical condition closely and report any changes to the MD/RNP immediately.