The CAHPS (the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey and HOPE (Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation) tool are now an integral part of hospice quality assessment. Their focus on common end-of-life symptoms including pain, nausea, dyspnea, anxiety/agitation, bowel function, and sadness can alert the hospice team to areas for assessment and opportunities for optimal symptom management. This presentation focuses on pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies to evaluate, treat, and monitor these symptoms and will discuss ways to effectively communicate with patients and caregivers to maximize both patient comfort and the CAHPS and HOPE assessments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management of pain, dyspnea, nausea, anxiety/agitation, bowel function, and sadness. 2. Describe ways to assess symptom severity and monitor for improvement. 3. Identify strategies for clear, straightforward communication with patients and caregivers regarding symptoms and their management