State of the service: Pediatric palliative and hospice community-based service coverage in the United States

State of the service: Pediatric palliative and hospice community-based service coverage in the United States
Journal of Palliative Medicine, by Meaghann S. Weaver, MD, PhD, MPH, HEC-C; Tej Chana; Deb Fisher, PPCNP; Hope Fost; Betsy Hawley, MA; Kristin James, LCPC; Lisa C. Lindley, PhD, RN, FPCN, FAAN; Kaeli Samson, MA, MPH; Steven M. Smith, MD; Alix Ware, JD, MPH; and Christy Torkildson, PhD, RN, PHN; 11/23
Objective: To quantify and describe the inclusion of children in services, staffing, and care scope offered by community-based hospice organizations in the United States. Design and Subjects: This study utilized an online survey distributed to organizational members of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in the United States. Results: A total of 481 hospice organizations from 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico responded. Conclusions: Children remain underrepresented in the extension of care offered through community-based hospice organizations in the United States particularly in nonmetro settings.