title: Family Members' Experience With Hospice in Nursing Homes.
abstract: Research has documented numerous benefits and challenges associated with receipt of hospice care in nursing homes; however, study of this partnership from the perspective of residents' family members has been limited. The purpose of this qualitative investigation was to explore family members' experience with hospice services received in the nursing home setting. Researchers conducted a secondary data analysis of 175 family member interviews using a thematic analytic approach. Findings highlighted the critical role of communication in supporting residents and their family members. Care coordination, support and oversight, and role confusion also impacted family members' experience of hospice care in the nursing home. Efforts directed at enhancing communication and more clearly articulating the roles of members of the health care team are indicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, University of Nebraska-Kearney, Kearney, NE, USA.
authors.forename: L Ashley
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Gage
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Karla
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Washington
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA oliverdr@missouri.edu.
authors.forename: Debra Parker
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Oliver
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kruse
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.affiliation: Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, School of Nursing & Biomedical and Health Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Demiris
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003142:Communication; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010465:Perception; D024382:Professional Role; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: collaboration; communication; end of life; family; hospice; nursing home