A NEW RESOURCE FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS MAKING END-OF LIFE DECISIONS: DEVELOPING AND EVALUATING A HOSPICE/PALLIATIVE CARE WEB SITE

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to develop a Hospice/Palliative care website for use by health care providers who are responsible for end of life decisions in an acute care facility. Up to 60% of deaths in the United States occur in acute care hospitals; of these deaths, 75% to 80% occur after decisions to forego treatments. In a survey of nurses and physicians, 55% believed that patients are sometimes overburdened by the treatments given, and more than half believed that mechanical ventilators, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and dialysis were often used inappropriately (Synder & Quill, 2001). Physicians are often ill prepared to assist patient and families with end-of-life, especially regarding hospice care. A web site regarding hospice/palliative care was considered an ideal venue to address the need for easily accessible, accurate information for physicians making end of life decisions.