Rx for Dying: the Case for Hospice

The authors assert that "hospices have moved into the mainstream of health care system. " They operate under accreditation standards; receive from Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance; and, with restrictions on hospital care, provide a unique program of and support services for terminally ill patients. Bulkin and contend, however, that few physicians consider hospice care when therapy is no longer indicated. The authors develop their assertion hospice care at home is medically and economically the treatment of for the dying patient; explore reasons for physicians' resistance to; clarify the physician's role in the hospice team; and suggest in medical training to change physicians' attitudes toward, dying, and curative versus palliative care. (KIE abstract)