US Healthcare Research provides a powerful analysis of hospice patient experience of care surveys. Healthcare policy across the spectrum is rapidly moving toward value-based purchasing determined by quality of care metrics. As of Quarter 1, 2015 hospices are required to partner with a CMS-approved survey vendor to administer the CAHPS® HOSPICE Survey.
The CAHPS® HOSPICE Survey focuses on experiences of care involving patients and families and seeks to promote effective communication and coordination of care. The CAHPS® HOSPICE Survey consists of 47 standardized questions assessing Hospice Team Communication, Getting Timely Care, Treating Family Member with Respect, Providing Emotional Support, Support for Religious and Spiritual Beliefs, Getting Help for Symptoms, Information Continuity, Understanding the Side Effects of Pain Medication, and Getting Hospice Care Training.
A copy of the CAHPS Hospice Survey can be downloaded HERE.
Participation in the CAHPS® HOSPICE Survey is based on the number of patients the hospice provides care to between January 1 to December 31 of each year. Medicare-certified hospices that served 50 or more survey-eligible decedents in a calendar year are required to participate in the CAHPS® HOSPICE Survey. However, Medicare-certified hospices that have fewer than 49 survey-eligible decedents in a calendar year can apply for an exemption to the CAHPS® HOSPICE Survey. To request consideration for survey exemption hospices will need to submit a Participation Exemption for Size Form.
Implementation of a Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program should be a top priority for hospices. An effective QAPI program is a critical strategic management tool for guiding improvements in your service and care and overall operations. Additionally, a good QAPI program will ensure an easier transition to future mandatory reporting of quality data. US Health Care Research’s methodologies and tools provide hospices with actionable data to guide your QAPI program and prepare for public reporting. Click here to learn more about our easy-to-read reports.
Understanding the impact and effectiveness of your family support/bereavement program is an important aspect of measuring caregiver satisfaction. The relationship bond between you and the families of those you serve is a significant responsibility, as well as an opportunity. A high-quality bereavement program strengthens the probability that those family members will become advocates of your work in the community.