What is hospice?

What is hospice?
JAMA Patient Page; by Vanessa Wagner, Adam Marks; 9/11/24
Hospice is a specialized model of medical care for people with terminal illness. The goal of hospice is to provide compassionate care to maximize a person’s comfort and quality of life during the natural dying process. Hospice care teams are composed of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other individuals who work together to address the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of people with a terminal illness and to support their families. This generally includes alleviating symptoms (such as pain, shortness of breath, or anxiety), establishing a comfortable and peaceful environment, and facilitating meaningful time with loved ones.
Publisher's note: Written by two physicians and appearing in JAMA, this "hospice introductory piece" might be helpful for new employee orientation or community outreach.