A 2012 report by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) found that of the 1.65 million terminally ill patients who received hospice care in 2011, 83% are white, 8.5% were African American, 6.2% Hispanic, and less than 3% were members of other ethnic groups. Some possible reasons for low utilization of hospice
services by minority groups include:
- Some groups of patients preferring more aggressive end-of-life care and a preference to die in a hospital
- Patient mistrust in physicians and the medical system
- Lack of cultural competence among hospice staff and failure to inform minority patients of the option of hospice care
- Some findings offer a possible remedy by providing more inpatient palliative care consultations for minority groups to inform them of hospice services. Other approaches include: ongoing cultural sensitivity staff training. Outreach to houses of worship and other institutions that seriously ill patients and their families seek out for support would also be beneficial.
Update: In the fall 2016 newsletter, there will be a description of Life Source Hospice’s customized care for its
Korean patients.