Evaluating the impact of palliative or hospice care provided in nursing homes

Palliative and hospice care are increasingly being provided in nursing home settings. The current article reviews the existing evidence relevant to nursing homes to provide practitioners with a greater understanding of the impact of palliative and hospice care on clinical care outcomes (e.g., pain, symptom management), processes of care outcomes (e.g., hospitalizations, cost of care), and family member or health care proxy perceptions of care. Overall, the provision of hospice or palliative care in nursing facilities can improve the clinical care residents receive, reduce hospitalizations, and improve family members’ perception of care. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 40(10), 10–14.]Dr. Cimino is Assistant Professor, and Dr. McPherson is Professor and Vice Chair for Education, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland.The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.Address correspondence to Nina M. Cimino, PharmD, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 North Pine Street, Room S415, Baltimore, MD 21201; e-mail: ncimino@rx.umaryland.edu. Posted Online: October 03, 2014