1. Patient Eligibility:
Confirm that the patient meets the eligibility requirements for hospice care, such as having a life expectancy of six months or less and a terminal illness diagnosis.
2. Physician Orders:
Ensure that the physician has provided orders for hospice care, including medication management and symptom control.
3. Pain and Symptom Management:
Assess the patient's pain and other symptoms and develop a management plan.
4. Advanced Directives:
Confirm that the patient has an advance directive and discuss the patient's wishes for end-of-life care.
5. Spiritual and Cultural Needs:
Identify the patient's spiritual and cultural needs and ensure that appropriate support is provided.
6. Caregiver Support:
Assess the needs of the caregiver and provide appropriate support and education.
7. Medication Review:
Review the patient's medications and ensure that all necessary medications are ordered and available.
8. Comfort Measures:
Develop a plan for providing comfort measures, such as positioning, skin care, and nutrition.
9. Communication Plan:
Develop a plan for ongoing communication between healthcare professionals, the patient, and the family members.
10. Bereavement Support:
Provide information about bereavement support services and resources for the patient's family members.