Considerations when proposing consultant pharmacist services to hospice programs.

Abstract

Hospice programs attempt to provide a better quality of life by controlling the symptoms of dying patients. Pharmacist involvement with hospices has been limited and varies with each setting. This study identified opportunities where community pharmacists may provide services to the hospice patient and the hospice program. The routine functions of the visiting nurse included solving the drug therapy-related problems of hospice patients. Although pharmacists were relied upon for some assistance, their perceived role had been predominantly that of drug distributor. In addition, pharmacists were not aware of hospice programs and most offered very little help in meeting the needs of the terminally ill patient. Nurses stated that drug information was necessary when caring for hospice patients. After reviewing what the pharmacist could do for hospice patients, nurses indicated that they would request pharmacists' advice and assistance when drug therapy problems occurred.