• Kristine Kwekkeboom.
• University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, K6-336 Clinical Science Center, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 52792, USA. kwekkeboom@wisc.edu
• J Palliat Med. 2005 Aug 1;8(4):817-26.

BackgroundPalliative care is described as comprehensive care focused on preventing or relieving physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual suffering in patients with life-threatening illnesses. As national interest in increasing access to palliative care grows, hospice organizations may consider expanding their missions to provide palliative care to individuals with chronic and life-limiting illnesses who do not meet traditional hospice criteria. Before expanding operations, hospice organizations must know if there is need and support within the communities they serve.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess perceived need for palliative care services in a small metropolitan area in the Midwest served by a nonprofit community-based hospice organization.DesignA survey approach was used.Settings/SubjectsSurveys were distributed to health care professionals and lay individuals in the community by mail or in person. A total of 576 surveys were distributed; 195 were completed and returned.ResultsWhile the majority of professionals reported being comfortable providing palliative care, services were not perceived as widely available. Both health care professional and lay respondents knew someone who could benefit from palliative care services and believed it would be helpful to develop or increase palliative care for persons with chronic illnesses who are not yet terminally ill. A majority of professionals reported they were willing to refer patients for services, but were concerned that patients would be hesitant to accept such care from a hospice organization. Lay individuals indicated they would be willing to accept such services, particularly if insurance covered the cost.ConclusionsSeveral issues need further exploration before hospice organizations expand their missions.

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