“The Talk:” Discussing Hospice Care

Referral of advanced cancer patients for hospice care is of growing importance for oncologists. Hospice care is high quality and high value care that can benefit the patient and family’s experience of living and dying with terminal cancer. We are challenged to become a part of the shift from hospice meaning “giving up” to hospice meaning “giving more, but differently.” The purpose of this report is to frame a communication approach that any oncologist can incorporate into his or her practice that will facilitate the timely referral of appropriate patients for hospice care. Combining the strengths of oncology, palliative, and hospice providers in a complementary fashion allows us to serve patients and their families in the most meaningful way.