Development of hospice and palliative care in the United States.
More than 30 years have passed since palliative care was introduced in the United States, and what began as a small rebellion has evolved into a fairly large health care industry. Although the palliative care movement has considerably improved the care given to those at the end of life, many challenges remain for palliative care providers in the United States. This article discusses the history of hospice and palliative care in the United States, the Medicare Hospice Benefit, the growth of hospice and palliative care, and challenges such as the need for regulatory change, workforce issues, improving access to care, and improving the quality of palliative care.
Connor
Stephen R
SR
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Virginia, Alexandria 22314, USA. sconnor@nhpco.org
D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006738:Hospices / Q000266:history* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000266:history* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States