Abstract
Hospice and palliative care programs have grown rapidly in the United States over the last 25 years. Relief of suffering and maximization of quality of life including symptom control, psychosocial health, and spiritual care are the primary goals of hospice and palliative care. This article reviews the development, philosophy, and practice of hospice and palliative care, and describes barriers to and suggestions for integrating this approach into mainstream medicine.
MeSH terms
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Attitude to Death
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Family / psychology
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Forecasting
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Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration
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Hospice Care / organization & administration*
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Hospice Care / psychology
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Humans
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Models, Organizational
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Needs Assessment
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Organizational Objectives
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Organizational Policy
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Pain / etiology
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Pain / prevention & control
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Palliative Care / organization & administration*
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Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
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Patient Care Team / organization & administration
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Philosophy, Medical
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Prognosis
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Quality of Life
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United States