Graduation Year

2020

Document Type

Senior Thesis

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Primary Major

Nursing

Thesis Advisor

Luanne Linnard-Palmer RN, MSN, EdD, CPN

Abstract

Hospice care is a specialized type of palliative care for patients with a time-limiting illness. Despite its benefits, hospice remains underutilized. A key reason behind the underutilization are untimely referrals, often made during the last weeks or days of the patient’s life. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the existing barriers towards hospice that play into late referrals and its effect on patient/family satisfaction. This information will be examined to propose a pilot research study for further exploration.

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