Enhancing Palliative Care for Low-Income Elders with Chronic Disease: Feasibility of a Hospice Consultation Model

Challenges exist in assimilating palliative care within community-based services for nursing home eligible low-income elders with complex chronic illness as they approach the end of life (EOL). This study assessed the feasibility of a consultation model, with hospice clinicians working with three Care Wisconsin Partnership Program teams. Consults occurred primarily during team meetings and also informally and on joint patient visits and were primarily with the palliative care nurse addressing physical issues. Fifty-seven percent of consultant recommendations were implemented. Benefits of consultation were identified with focus groups of clinical staff as were opportunities and barriers to the implementation. Models of integration are proposed.