New initiatives transforming hospice care.

Abstract

Hospice care has been successful in serving a large segment of the terminally ill population in the United States. This article addresses a number of significant trends that may impact the future of hospice care. It is proposed that as many as one-third of those who die will not be in a position to make use of any end-stage program of care. Of the remaining, some will have difficulty being served by hospices due to uncertain prognosis and continued efforts at curative treatment. New models of caring for chronically terminally ill persons are being developed and are reviewed. A clearer definition of who ought to be served by hospice programs is encouraged.