Study Reveals Gaps in Knowledge About Palliative Care Among Home Health Patients and Caregivers
A McKnights Long-Term Care News article highlights a Columbia University study, which found that nearly half of home health patients and caregivers surveyed were unfamiliar with palliative care, and only 13% had a sufficient understanding of its purpose and benefits. This lack of awareness often leads to confusion between palliative care and hospice, despite palliative care being appropriate at any stage of a serious illness. The researchers emphasize the need for increased education and availability of home-based palliative care services to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.